That is possible, but the barrel of the rifle had to be heated by some means other than simply firing the rifle. 25 shots fired through the rifle does not heat the end of the barrel to a sufficient temperature to cause the three burns. For that reason the defence theory is that the end of the barrel was placed into contact with the Aga. The Aga was lit even though it was summer. If the defence theory is correct it is likely that the burns were inflicted on Nevill in the kitchen. My own view, and I accept I do not have direct evidence of this, is that the burns may have been inflicted after Nevill was dead or at least unconscious.
Hi
When the forensic test were done, the end of the barrel was heated up to the same heat
as it would if it had been fired. Then the end of the barrel was placed on pig skin, which
is identified to be similar to our own.
When a shot is fired through a semi automatic, it the end of the nozzle becomes heated, this is
a fact...The friction burns on Nevill's back were consistent, with the test done on the pig skin...
The measurements were the same size as the end of the barrel.......Thus, making the forensic test
a strong indication that the barrel was at some stage pointed into Nevill's back......
