FEAR and stress triggered off a stroke which killed a 73-year-old
antique dealer who was victim of a violent robbery, a pathologist said
yesterday.
Professor Derrick Pounder told the High Court in Edinburgh he carried
out a post-mortem examination of the body of Leonard Pollington, who
died after a three-hour brain operation required after he was attacked,
tied up, and robbed in his home.
Professor Pounder, professor of forensic medicine at Dundee
University, said Mr Pollington died of a brain haemorrhage after a
stroke. He also had suffered from high blood pressure, heart disease,
and leukemia. But the stress and fear had ''triggered'' the stroke.
The cause of death was bleeding into his brain caused by rising blood
pressure. The blood pressure was caused by stress, injury, and fright.
Professor Pounder told the court: ''Stress tipped the balance.''
Professor Pounder was giving evidence at the trial of David Allison,
19, of Roseberry Place, Burnbrae, John Gilmour, 25, of Neilsland Street,
and John Halliday, 20, of Westwellbrae Crescent, all Hamilton, who have
denied the culpable homicide of Mr Pollington at his home in Seafield
Road, Dundee, on August 8 last year.
The three have admitted attacking and robbing Mr Pollington of #3000.
They pretended to be postmen to induce Mr Pollington to open his door.
He died in Dundee Royal Infirmary on August 9 last year.
The trial continues.
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