This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/devon/6992821.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| New witness halts Rachel inquest | New witness halts Rachel inquest |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| An inquest into the death of Rachel Whitear has been adjourned because a new witness has come forward. | An inquest into the death of Rachel Whitear has been adjourned because a new witness has come forward. |
| The coroner was due to sum up evidence about the 21-year-old's death in Exmouth, Devon in May 2000. | The coroner was due to sum up evidence about the 21-year-old's death in Exmouth, Devon in May 2000. |
| But investigating officer Ch Supt Paul Howlett told the inquest on Thursday the new witness' evidence was "capable of influencing" the inquest. | But investigating officer Ch Supt Paul Howlett told the inquest on Thursday the new witness' evidence was "capable of influencing" the inquest. |
| Miss Whitear, of Herefordshire, died of a suspected drugs overdose. The inquest was adjourned until Monday. | Miss Whitear, of Herefordshire, died of a suspected drugs overdose. The inquest was adjourned until Monday. |
| Ch Supt Howlett, who is in charge of re-investigating the case, said on Thursday: "New information concerning the circumstances of Rachel's death has been passed to me. | Ch Supt Howlett, who is in charge of re-investigating the case, said on Thursday: "New information concerning the circumstances of Rachel's death has been passed to me. |
| "If it is true it is capable of influencing these proceedings and the outcome of these proceedings." | "If it is true it is capable of influencing these proceedings and the outcome of these proceedings." |
| Outside court, Miss Whitear's mother, Pauline Holcroft, said: "It is as much of a surprise to me as it is to you. | |
| "I had no knowledge of it until we arrived. We did think today would be the culmination of the inquest". | |
| Mrs Holcroft said any delay would not matter as they had already waited seven years. | |
| Miss Whitear's stepfather, Mick Holcroft, added: "As long as justice for Rachel is served." |