The State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, gave evidence yesterday in the trial of nine New Ross people charged in connection with a row preceding the death of Swedish man Mr Lars Forsmark in the Co Wexford town in July 2003.
Wexford Circuit Court heard Dr Cassidy tell the jury that Mr Forsmark died as a result of "blunt force trauma to the head and acute alcohol intoxication".
Dr Cassidy also said a "contributory cause" in Mr Forsmark's death was "aspiration of gastric fluid".
She said: "The man died from the effect of brain damage following head trauma.
"There was no evidence of one significant injury - as there was no evidence of a major skull fracture."
Dr Cassidy added that "each individual injury to the head would be regarded as minor and would not normally be expected to cause or contribute to his death".
She also said there was no "single injury to the head" which could be held solely responsible for the brain damage sustained by Mr Forsmark.
However, Dr Cassidy did say his injury was "complicated" and that brain damage was caused by the "additive effects of a number of fairly minor head injuries".
When asked by Mr John Peart SC if Mr Forsmark's injuries could have been attributed to his falling from a car bonnet on to the street, Dr Cassidy said: "Yes, that could account for it."
The jury also heard evidence yesterday that when Mr Forsmark arrived at Wexford General Hospital his heart and breathing had stopped and he had to be resuscitated.
Mr Forsmark was carried out of Wickham's Pub, Mary Street, New Ross, early on the morning of July 20th, 2003.
Having visited the pub with a group of friends, Mr Forsmark's party became involved in a fracas with some local people in the pub.
Nine people face charges in connection with the row, including seven defendants who are all from New Ross and who face charges of violent disorder and endangerment.
They are: Mr Raymond Kelly, Brandon Park; Mr Owen Lennon, Barrack Lane; Ms Sinéad Kane, Bosheen; Mr Anthony O'Leary, Bosheen Estate, and brothers, Mr Ian Bolger, Mr Stephen Bolger and Mr Jonathon Bolger, Nunnery Lane.
Two more defendants, husband and wife, Mr and Ms Seán and Noeleen Wickham, Wickham's Pub, Mary Street, face charges of endangerment and intent to pervert the course of justice.
Ms Kane also faces a charge of assisting offenders.
All nine have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial continues on Tuesday.