Murder accused said: 'I am not a violent person'

A PLYMOUTH man accused of murdering his partner told a jury he did not attack her.

- By NICK IRVING, CARL EVE

Mark Fitzgerald, 62, is on trial at Plymouth Crown Court, charged with the murder of 54-year-old Lisa Paris between March 7 and March 19, 2024.

Earlier in the trial, the jury heard from a forensic pathologist who said Lisa had suffered 70 bruise wounds to her head, face, neck, body, arms and legs.

The jury also heard it was possible she had died up to ten days before paramedics and police were called to the property in Rendle Street on March 18, 2024.

The jury heard that when arrested, Fitzgerald was questioned by detectives and told them during the interview: "I am not a violent person. I am easy going and like a laugh and joke."

He told police that he had been drinking and had fallen asleep, and later woke up to find her lying across his sofa.

He told officers: "I like a drink. I've drunk all my life. I'm not an alcoholic, I enjoy it."

He admitted 'over the years' he had been violent and said Lisa would often fall over and collapse in the bathroom.