The following article contains some graphic details that readers might find upsetting.

A pathologist has told the jury in a murder trial at Douglas Courthouse, a teenage boy used ‘severe force’ to inflict a fatal stab wound on another teen.

The trial of a 15-year-old accused of the murder of 14-year-old Christopher McBurnie, who was stabbed to death in Ramsey on May 29 last year, is in its second week.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admits inflicting the fatal wound but claims he was acting in self-defence. He has pleaded not guilty to murder.

On day eight of the trial the jury heard from Home Office pathologist Dr Aaron Borbora who carried out the postmortem on Christopher’s body a couple of days after his death.

He identified four separate wounds with three identified as stab wounds and one as a slash wound.

The most serious wound was on the right side of the chest, another serious wound was inflicted on the left bicep into the armpit, a third slash word was found on the left side of the chest and superficial cut on the left thumb.

Dr Borbora also identified marks from medical intervention, including a clamshell thoracotomy - an incision in the chest to relieve pressure and blood loss.

Dr Borbora described this intervention by the medical team at the scene as ‘heroic’ although Christopher could not be resuscitated.

The wound on the right side of the chest was described by the pathologist in terms of force as ‘towards the severe end’ as it also damaged a rib bone. It completely severed one vein and damaged another vein and artery which resulted in major blood loss.

Dr Borbora estimated the wound to be up to 15cm deep with the knife’s blade 14cm long.

The injury to the left bicep was also labelled ‘towards severe force’ as it damaged muscle and scored the humerus bone in the arm.

When asked by prosecution advocate David Temkin KC for the cause of death Dr Borbora replied ‘stab wound to the chest’.

The trial continues.