A forensic pathologist has told a Bendigo court a woman found dead in California Gully last year likely died from compression to her neck.
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Adam Margolis was committed in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to stand trial over the murder of the woman, which occurred between February 24 and February 25, 2018.
He pleaded not guilty.
Forensic pathologist Dr Malcolm Dodd reviewed the findings of the colleague who carried out the post-mortem.
Dr Dodd said his colleague reported the possible cause of death was neck compression, but settling of blood resulting from the position in which the victim was found lying "blurred" some of the evidence.
However, he said if it were his case he would have attributed death to neck compression.
Dr Dodd told the court this was because of the presence of "very prominent" 'pinpoint' hemorrhaging on the victim's face, which was a sign of asphyxiation, and bruising to muscles of her neck.
In response to defence counsel Charles Morgan's cross-examination, Dr Dodd said it was feasible someone unconscious could lie in a position that could cause death, but the victim's bruising did not tally with this explanation.
But he said it was possible this bruising was not associated with the cause of death.
The court heard an email from Mr Margolis allegedly referred to cutting off blood, rather than suffocation.
Dr Dodd said these often both occurred in compression of the neck.
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The court heard Mr Margolis was given a preliminary diagnosis of conditions including paranoid delusional disorder and schizophrenia before his release from hospital in March 2018.
Homicide Squad Detective Leading Senior Constable Kevin Squires said a forensic medical officer advised Mr Margolis was fit to interview after his release.
The court also heard from Victoria Police digital forensic analyst Vincent Manner that electronic material collected in the investigation was not corrupted.
Magistrate Patrick Southey was satisfied there was enough evidence, including admissions Mr Margolis allegedly made in emails and interview, for him to stand trial before a jury.
Mr Margolis remains in custody. A directions hearing will be held in the Supreme Court on June 12.
Several members of the victim's family were in court on Tuesday, as was Mr Margolis' brother.
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