A forensic pathologist in the Kai McGinley murder trial gave the 24-year-old's cause of death as a gunshot to his back. 

Seven men are accused of murdering Kai on Pembroke Road last February.

The trial resumed on Tuesday (February 13) after it had come to a sudden halt two weeks earlier following the news that Robert Woodcock KC, who was lead counsel defendant Jalees Selby-Gangera, had died. 

Sally O’Neill KC stepped in as leading counsel for Selby-Gangera and the trial was ready to resume last Wednesday morning (February 7).  

However, the Old Bailey was evacuated due to a fire alarm and safety checks then closed the court for several days. 

On Tuesday morning the prosecution’s case continued as forensic pathologist Dr Matthew Cieka was called to give evidence. 

Dr Cieka had conducted Kai’s post-mortem Princess Royal Hospital on February 9 last year, two days after his deathh. 

Reading his report to the jury, he said: “Kai McGinley was a 24-year-old male who sustained a gunshot wound after a gunshot in the street. 

“Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead a short time later.” 

Dr Cieka concluded that the primary cause of death was a gunshot wound to the left side of his back. 

He explained that the pellets present in Kai’s body indicated that the wound was probably inflicted by a shot gun. 

Some of the pellets penetrated Kai’s lungs. 

“The consequential haemorrhage and pneumothorax, which is air in the chest cavity, would have resulted in cardiac arrest,” he explained. 

'Targeted execution' 

Prosecutor Brian O'Neill KC previously told the jury that 24-year-old Kai was shot dead in a “planned and targeted execution which was almost certainly drugs related”. 

He said Kai was with his friends, Bill Burton and Norman Samura, in a stolen white Mini which had false plates.  

They were rammed off the road by a Land Rover. Some or all of the occupants of that car, as well as a Peugeot which was behind it, jumped out and opened fire, he said.  

“Four or five shots were fired from two shotguns at close range one of which fatally wounded Kai McGinley. They then fled the scene," Mr O'Neill said.  

You can read our previous reports from this trial here:  

Seven south-east Londoners accused of murder     

Seven men are on trial accused jointly of murdering Kai and attempting to murder Mr Burton and Mr Samura.      

They are:      

  • Enriko Spahui, 21, of Elmhurst in Belvdere       
  • Jalees Selby-Gangera, 18, of Woodfield Close in Erith       
  • Connor Brooks, 21, of Horsa Road in Erith       
  • Bradlee Reeve, 34, of Chapman Road in Erith       
  • Kai Osibodu, 24, of Riverdale Road in Erith       
  • Charlie Brabon, 19, of Bryon Drive in Erith       
  • Anthony Wallder, 21, of Eastry Road in Bexley      

All seven men deny the charges against them.    

The trial continues.