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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| New witness halts Rachel inquest | New witness halts Rachel inquest |
| (about 4 hours 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 Friday. | Miss Whitear, of Herefordshire, died of a suspected drugs overdose. The inquest was adjourned until Friday. |
| 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. | 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. | |