A 31-year-old Moroccan man found dead at Spinola Gardens died from severe blunt-force trauma after falling and striking the back of his head against the ground, a court heard on Monday.

The findings emerged during the compilation of evidence against Sebastian Malinowski, 27, who is pleading not guilty to the wilful homicide of Abdellatif Oumakhlouf.

The victim was discovered with a deep wound to the back of his head at Spinola Gardens, along St George's Road in St Julian's, in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September.

During Monday afternoon's sitting in the compilation of evidence, court-appointed forensic expert Edward Cherubino testified about the medical examinations he conducted on both the victim and the accused, as well as the findings of the post-mortem examination.

Cherubino explained that he had attended St Julian's police station, where he examined Malinowski and observed bruising on his knuckles. The expert subsequently performed an autopsy on Oumakhlouf's body at Mater Dei Hospital, while a toxicology report was also prepared as part of the investigation.

Fatal head injury caused by impact with ground, not punch, forensic expert tells court

Testifying about the autopsy findings, Cherubino explained that Oumakhlouf died from blunt-force trauma after falling and striking the back of his head against the ground, resulting in a fatal skull fracture. The forensic expert clarified that the punch itself had only caused a laceration to the victim's face and was not the direct cause of death.

The post-mortem examination also revealed cuts and bruising to the front of the victim's face, as well as significant bleeding in the brain.

Forensic officers detail evidence recovered from accused and victim

The court also heard testimony from scene-of-crime officers, who outlined the collection and documentation of forensic evidence at several locations connected to the investigation.

On 27 September, the officers attended Spinola Gardens before proceeding to St Julian's police station, where they examined Malinowski and obtained forensic samples, including swabs and material collected from his clothing.

Investigators also visited the hotel in St Julian's where the accused had been staying, photographing the premises as part of their inquiries.

The officers subsequently attended the mortuary during the autopsy, taking further photographs and collecting additional samples.

The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyer Anthony Vella, together with Inspectors Stephen Gulia, Christina Delia and Kelsey Bugeja.

Defence lawyers Nicholas Mifsud and Franco Debono are representing Malinowski. Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella is presiding over the case.