Danish murder suspect may have set submarine to sink: court told

The Danish inventor who allegedly murdered a journalist aboard his homemade submarine may have sunk the vessel intentionally, a court heard.

Peter Madsen, 47, is accused of killing 30-year-old Kim Wall last August.

On Tuesday, Ditte Dyreborg, a Danish naval officer, told Copenhagen City Court Ms Wall’s photographs revealed crucial settings of the submarine’s valves, reports Sky News.

"They were slightly open and that told me right away that this could be an intentional sinking," she said.

Ms Wall’s dismembered body was found at sea days after the Swedish journalist had gone to interview Madsen on his submarine.

Madsen admits dismembering Ms Wall's body and throwing it into the sea, but denies a premeditated murder charge.

Madsen has contended Ms Wall died after breathing exhaust fumes.

But Captain Lieutenant Dyreborg, who searched the vessel after it was drained, told the court air quality measurements she took indicated a normal amount of oxygen.

She also said the submarine’s engine was set to run – challenging Madsen’s version of events.