The totality of circumstantial evidence — including pre-offence planning, admissions, forensic evidence, dismemberment and disposal of the body, and post-offence conduct — can prove murderous intent beyond reasonable doubt even where no cause of death is established. Motive need not be an indispensable link in the chain of circumstantial reasoning; it may be an important but non-essential part of the overall circumstantial case. The use of the expression 'points to' when discussing circumstantial evidence is not inconsistent with the criminal standard of proof where the judge has otherwise properly directed herself.
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