PROSECUTING in the Heather Barnett murder trial, Michael Bowes said there were “dramatic and striking similarities” in the murders of Heather Barnett and Elisa Claps.

Schoolgirl Elisa was 16 when she went missing in her hometown of Potenza, Italy, on September 12, 1993.

Her body remained undiscovered in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Potenza until it was found by workmen in a loft in March last year.

Mr Bowes said Elisa had been stabbed, locks of hair were found near her body, and her trousers had been opened and lowered to the same level as Heather’s and her bra was cut or broken in a similar way.

Mr Bowes said in evidence given to Italian prosecutors at the time, Restivo admitted he met Elisa on that Sunday at the church but said she was fine when he left her.

Restivo gave evidence in Italy that he had been “in love” with Elisa but that she had rejected him.

Mr Bowes told the jury Restivo was arrested on September 9, 1994, on suspicion of lying to the prosecutor investigating Elisa’s disappearance.

He was found guilty of perjury in March 1995.

Mr Bowes said the similarities in the two cases established “beyond any doubt that Restivo is the killer”.

Mr Bowes is expected to conclude his opening on Tuesday morning.

The first witnesses will then give evidence.