Paula Leeson: Pool death heiress had neck injuries, court hears

Ms Leeson’s elderly father, Willy Leeson, wept as the Danish pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on his daughter answered questions from Lesley Anderson KC, representing the family, at Manchester Civil Courts of Justice.

Initially, Danish police wrongly told Professor Peter Leth that Ms Leeson was a non-swimmer.

Professor Leth said that, if Ms Leeson could not swim, it would have “enhanced” her chances of drowning, but if she could swim, it would have reduced them.

Ms Anderson KC also said the pool depth was not 180cm (5 ft 9 in) as police had initially reported but 120cm (3 ft 9 in).

Ms Leeson was 168cm (5ft 5 in) tall.

Prof Leth said it was “highly unlikely” that an adult would have drowned in shallow water.

He was then asked about the bruises found around Ms Leeson’s neck.

Ms Anderson asked what, apart from attempts to get her out of the pool, could have caused the injuries.

Prof Leth said: “It could have been a hand or arm around the neck, some kind of blunt force trauma.”

Ms Anderson said: “Some kind of neck lock, using an arm?”

“Yes,” Prof Leth replied.