Lorraine Cox homicide trial: Diabetes doesn’t clarify demise, jury advised

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Alleged murder victim Lorraine Cox did not die of a sudden death related to her diabetes, an expert has told a trial.

Dr. Paul McNally, a consultant specializing in the disease, said he believed the suggestion that 32-year-old Lorraine dropped dead in her alleged murderer’s home without warning was not an explanation he could support.

Azam Mangori, 24, is charged with the murder of Lorraine after inviting her to his apartment above a kebab shop in Exeter.

He denies the charges and is supposed to say that she died suddenly shortly after she arrived.

Dr. McNally answered questions about type 1 diabetes, a condition Lorraine had, and the possibility that it was effective in killing her.

He said it was extremely rare for a young person to die of a sudden heart event related to low blood sugar.

When asked if he believed Lorraine could have died so suddenly shortly after entering Mangori’s apartment and passing out quickly, Dr. McNally: “In my opinion not.”

Lorraine was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013. Dr. McNally told the jury that the life expectancy of those affected was lower in all age groups and should be treated carefully.

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He said a look at Lorraine’s medical history revealed that her disease self-management could be a little messy, but her blood counts showed nothing unusual.

The consultant ruled out the two most likely complications resulting from diabetes as the cause of death in Lorraine – high and low blood sugar levels.

“Lorraine Cox did not suffer hypoglycemic collapse as the cause of death,” he said, referring to the low blood sugar level.

“I don’t think ketoacidosis explains Lorraine Cox’s death,” he said, referring to fatally high blood sugar levels.

The jury was informed of its reasons for this conclusion before the expert was interrogated by the defense.

Adam Vaitilingam QC suggested that sudden cardiac death is not uncommon. But, in his opinion, the expert said it was unusual.

Mr Vaitilingum pointed out that the last time Lorraine used her personal monitor to check her blood sugar levels was on August 27th.

“That wouldn’t be ideal for going four or five days without checking your blood sugar,” he asked the expert.

“It’s not ideal, but not unusual,” said Dr. McNally.

Lorraine was walking home alone through Exeter in the wee hours of September 1st when she met Mangori, CCTV shows.

The couple, who had not met before, went back together to their apartment above Bodrum Kebab House on Mary Arches Street. The last time she was seen alive was on video surveillance at 2:45 a.m.

Mangori, who does not have to make a statement yet, admits to having disposed of her body. He dismembered her body and threw it in trash cans in the back of the building and in woods outside Exeter.

A forensic pathologist told the trial it was impossible to tell how Lorraine died. Prosecutors say she may have been suffocated.

The process continues.