Court hears Troon mum suffered injuries which 'may not have been accidental' before death

The 46-year-old's sister Lynette and daughter Shayla deny her murder

Published 24th Apr 2018
Last updated 24th Apr 2018

A woman allegedly killed by her sister and daughter in Troon may have lay dead for weeks.

A pathologist also told the court Sharon Greenop had 19 rib fractures which may not have been “accidental”.

But, due to the “decomposition” of the mum's body it was not possible to give a certain cause of death.

Sharon's sister Lynnette Greenop, 40, and daughter Shayla Greenop, 20, are accused of murdering the 46 year-old at their home in Troon, South Ayrshire.

It is claimed she was assaulted on various occasions between September 8 and November 10 2016.

Glasgow University pathologist Dr Gemma Kemp told how she carried out a post mortem on Sharon's remains.

The mum had been found dead at her home on November 10 2016.

Miss Kemp recalled there being “areas of mummification” on Sharon's body.

The High Court in Glasgow heard claims Sharon could have lay dead for “several weeks”.

Prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC asked the pathologist: “Did you find a number of rib fractures – 19 in total?”

Miss Kemp: “Yes.”

She believed the fractures – which had a “range of ages” - were caused by “blunt force trauma...an impact of some kind.”

Miss Kemp added: “I think with the distribution and the different ages that these were caused by inflicted trauma...not accidental, a deliberate act.”

Miss Edwards asked: “An assault?”

She replied: “Yes.”

The jury was told Sharon also had fractures in her neck.

Miss Kemp said there was no natural disease that would “account for death”.

But, the condition of Sharon's body when she was discovered meant no “definitive” cause could be made.

The court later heard of writing found on doors of the Greenop house.

One stated: "Death is a permanent solution to a temporary problem".

Another was: "Funny when you are dead, people start listening".

The jury was told of a third which read: "If you don't live for something, you will die for nothing"

The murder charge alleges Sharon was repeatedly struck with “object or objects” and had her neck compressed.

It is said injuries were also inflicted “by means unknown” and that there was a failure to obtain medical help.

Sharon is stated to have been so severely hurt that she died.

The two accused – who both live in Ayr, South Ayrshire – deny all charges.

The trial, before Lady Carmichael, continues.