The drugs found in the system of Nicola Furlong have been ruled out as factors in her death. The doctor who carried out the autopsy on her body gave evidence this morning on the second day of the trial in Tokyo.

He said he believed strangulation was the most likely cause of death.

19-year-old American musician Richard Hinds has admitted strangling the 21-year-old from Wexford in a hotel last year but he denies killing her intentionally.

Irish Times Tokyo Correspondent David McNeill was in court today.

He said remnants of Xanax were found in Nicola's system as she took it for exams or when flying. The presence of another drug was also explained in court.

He spoke to Breakfast here on Newstalk.