Chun was last seen alive on October 5, 2011, entering her building at Amoy Gardens in Kowloon Bay after a trip to her native Sichuan. The court heard that Chan visited her several times the next day, between which he went to the nearby Pricerite and ParknShop stores to buy gloves, cling film and deodorant.

Prosecutors alleged that Chan murdered his mistress on October 6 and disposed of her body the following morning when he was seen leaving her building with a trolley carrying a full and heavy-looking nylon bag.

In a report read out by prosecutor Raymond Cheng on Friday, senior forensic pathologist Dr Ng Chung-ki explained that Chun’s muscles would first become flaccid for a few hours before they stiffened with rigor mortis. Given Chun’s height and weight, the stiffness would develop to its maximum extent in the next six to 12 hours.

Couple found dead at luxury Hong Kong residence in suspected murder-suicide

But Dr Ng said it was still possible to alter the posture of the body by forcibly moving the body parts to overcome the established rigor mortis. “This manoeuvrer is a daily routine to prepare dead bodies for examination, embalming or ceremony in the mortuary and the funeral parlour,” he said.

When asked if it was possible to put the body into a nylon bag without dismemberment after the body stiffness had occurred, Dr Ng replied: “This probably can be achieved by bending the limbs and bringing them closer to the trunk.”

His evidence concluded the prosecution’s case.

Defence counsel Steve Chui said his client will testify, but not call any witnesses.

Madam Justice Anthea Pang Po-kam said: “We will resume on Monday with the defence case.”