More than 20 stab wounds were inflicted on 12-year-old Roberts Buncis, a murder trial jury heard on Tuesday.
Pathologist Professor Guy Rutty told the jury at Lincoln Crown Court that Roberts died from stab wounds to the neck, chest and abdomen.
Prof Rutty spent over an hour detailing the injuries he found while conducting a post-mortem examination on the 12-year-old.
Roberts suffered a gaping wound to his neck as well as a “life-threatening” injury from a stab wound which went into his left chest cavity before entering his left lung.
Police identified the victim as Roberts Buncis, 12.
Prof Rutty said a further potentially life-threatening injury was caused when Roberts was stabbed in the abdomen causing damage to internal organs.
“The knife has gone into the back of the abdomen where it cut through the top of the left kidney. It has then come partly out and gone back in again.”
He said the second blow cut Roberts’ liver and entered his lung. Damage was also caused to his spleen, colon and lumbar spine.
Prof Rutty said a scan showed the tip of the knife blade embedded in Roberts’ skull.
Ballons being released as the funeral possession of Roberts Buncis travelled through the streets of Boston. | Photo: John Aron
A further wound to the top of Roberts’ head was inflicted when he was approached from behind.
The pathologist said the injury would have been caused at a time when the person being stabbed was either going to the ground, on their knees or lying on the ground.
Prof Rutty said he also found injuries to both of Roberts’ hands, some of which were what he referred to as defensive injuries.
Describing injuries to the boy’s left hand he said: “I don’t think I have seen this particular pattern (of injury) before. The knife has been drawn across the hand.
“I’m of the opinion that the knife has been drawn across the hand at least four times. The only thing I can think of is that they were trying to remove the hand or fingers.”
A 14-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified because of a court order, denies the murder of Roberts Buncis.
The prosecution say that the 14-year-old lured Roberts’ out of his home in the middle of the night and then stabbed him “again and again”.
Roberts’ body was found on the morning of December 12, 2020 in a wooded area near to Alcorn Green in Fishtoft.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.