Antonie Muller, member of No5 Chambers’ crime group, is defending Thomas O’Reilly, 50 of Stoke, who is accused of the murder of Nicola Payne in December 1991.
It is alleged that the 18 year old was abducted as she crossed wasteland to her parents’ house in Coventry. Nigel Barwell and Thomas O’Reilly, who were both aged 27 at the time of her disappearance, deny murdering her.
Forensic tests conducted last year found that three hairs from Miss Payne, along with a single hair asserted to be from Mr O’reilly, were found on a tent near a river five days after her disappearance.
The trial continues at Birmingham Crown Court.
