A British backpacker was killed during consensual sex and showed no evidence she was involved in a struggle, a forensic pathologist who gave evidence on behalf of the man accused of her murder has told a court.

Grace Millane, from Wickford, Essex, was travelling in Auckland, New Zealand, when she was allegedly murdered in December 2018 after going on a date with a 27-year-old man she met on Tinder.

The Crown prosecutor has alleged that the man, who cannot be named due to a suppression order, strangled her and shoved her body inside a suitcase before burying her in a forested area outside Auckland.

However, forensic pathologist Dr Fintan Garavan appeared via audio-visual link in Auckland High Court and said there was “no evidence to injuries of deeper haemorrhaging” in Ms Millane’s death, reported Stuff, the New Zealand website.

Radio New Zealand quoted the doctor as saying a bruise found on Ms Millane’s neck was not located in deep tissue, which along with further bruising on her chest and arms showed the injuries were the result of consensual activity.

Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Show all 11 1 /11 Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' David and Gillian Millane (second from right and right) arrive at Auckland High Court, in New Zealand, on Wednesday, 6 November, 2019, for the start of their daughter Grace Millane's murder trial. The body of the 21-year-old British backpacker was found in a forest area near Auckland on 9 December, 2018 - a week after she was last seen. Michael Craig/NZ Herald via AP Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' The parents of Grace Millane, David and Gillian Millane, arrive at Auckland High Court with Detective Inspector Scott Beard, 6 November, 2019. Phil Walter/Getty Images Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Candles and flowers are laid next to a photo of Grace Millane during a vigil at Civic Square Park in Wellington on 12 December, 2018. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Defence lawyers Ian Brookie (left) and Ron Mansfield (right) arrive at Auckland High Court, 6 November, 2019. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Crown prosecutor Brian Dickey arrives at Auckland High Court, 6 November, 2019. Phil Walter/Getty Images Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Auckland High Court Fiona Goodall/Getty Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' People place candles and flowers next to a photo of Grace Millane during a vigil at Civic Square Park in Wellington on 12 December, 2018. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' David Millane speaks at a press conference in Auckland, New Zealand, on 7 December, 2018, while his daughter Grace Millane is still missing. Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' Undated photo issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust of 22-year-old British backpacker, Grace Millane, who is missing in New Zealand. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday December 7, 2018. Ms Millane, from Essex, was on a year-long round-the-world trip, but was last seen in Auckland at 9.41pm at the Citylife Hotel on December 1. See PA story MISSING Auckland. Photo credit should read: Lucie Blackman Trust /PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Lucie Blackman Trust Lucie Blackman Trust/PA Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' CCTV still image issued by Auckland City Police of one of the last sightings of Grace Millane. Auckland City Police/PA Grace Millane trial: British backpacker 'murdered by Tinder date' BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated handout photo issued by Auckland City Police of Briton Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday December 6, 2018. Ms Millane, who is reportedly from Essex, was last seen in Auckland on Saturday night and police said they are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare. See PA story MISSING Auckland. Photo credit should read: Auckland City Police/PA Wire. NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Auckland City Police/PA

He told the court: “In my expert opinion, if a non-consensual act has taken place, the victim is under attack or resisting attack, they struggle.

“It’s that action, the struggle or struggling between an aggressor and a recipient, that gives rise to such injuries.”

Crown prosecutor Brian Dickey challenged Dr Garavan about whether the pathology report could show the presence or absence of consent, to which Radio New Zealand said the doctor replied that the absence of other injuries had given him reason to pause.

Dr Garavan also said alcohol could “very well” have been a secondary contributing factor in Ms Millane’s death.

The court earlier heard Ms Millane had profiles on BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance and submission) websites.

The court also heard evidence from a former partner of Ms Millane’s who said the pair practised choking and rough play.

Security footage played earlier in the trial showed Ms Millane and the defendant drinking at a number of bars before kissing repeatedly at the Bluestone Room then walking arm in arm a short distance into the lobby of the CityLife hotel where the defendant was staying.

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Ms Millane was shown to follow the defendant out of a lift at 9.41pm.

It was the last time she was seen alive.

The defence is expected to finish presenting its case on Wednesday.

The trial continues.