PROSECUTOR Michael Bowes QC said evidence against Danilo Restivo in the murders of Heather Barnett and Elisa Claps is “compelling”.

Turning to events in Italy in 1993, Mr Bowes said: “Our case is that Restivo was responsible for the murder of Elisa Claps.”

He said Elisa had suffered 12 sharp and penetrating injuries and at least one cut injury with a single edged implement, more than likely a knife.

Strands of cut hair were found near Elisa’s body, discovered in a church in her home town of Potenza last March – 17 years after her disappearance.

He said the court would hear evidence from Italian pathologist Francesco Introna who examined her remains.

Mr Bowes reminded the jury they were not trying Restivo for Elisa’s murder but said they now knew of the “striking similarities” between her death and that of Heather Barnett.

He also said Restivo had been convicted in 1995 of giving false testimony over Elisa’s disappearance.

He said it showed the defendants “propensity to be untruthful“.

He added: “If you are sure he killed Elisa you should use that evidence to establish that the same person killed Heather Barnett.”

Closing the prosecution’s opening statement, Mr Bowes said: “We say evidence against Danilo Restivo is compelling.”