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Diana inquest evidence challenged Diana inquest evidence challenged
(about 6 hours later)
Statements from paparazzi present at the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, should not be read to her inquest without challenge, lawyers have said.Statements from paparazzi present at the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, should not be read to her inquest without challenge, lawyers have said.
The coroner has ruled the statements could be read to the jury, even though the photographers refused to give evidence in person by video link.The coroner has ruled the statements could be read to the jury, even though the photographers refused to give evidence in person by video link.
Lawyers for Mohammed Al-Fayed, whose son died alongside Diana, said they should cross-question the paparazzi.Lawyers for Mohammed Al-Fayed, whose son died alongside Diana, said they should cross-question the paparazzi.
Coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker said the rule at issue was "far from clear".Coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker said the rule at issue was "far from clear".
French refusalFrench refusal
Lawyers for the family of Henri Paul, who was driving the car in which Diana and Dodi died, have also objected to the coroner's decision to admit the evidence.Lawyers for the family of Henri Paul, who was driving the car in which Diana and Dodi died, have also objected to the coroner's decision to admit the evidence.
The French photographers, who had pursued the Princesses' car into a tunnel in Paris, had been asked to appear in person at the hearing. The French photographers, who had pursued the Princess's car into a tunnel in Paris, had been asked to appear in person at the hearing.
However, they refused and the French government backed their right not to be present.However, they refused and the French government backed their right not to be present.
It seems to me that where possible the jury should hear relevant evidence on all issues that remain live even where the witness is unwilling to give it orally Lord Justice Scott BakerIt seems to me that where possible the jury should hear relevant evidence on all issues that remain live even where the witness is unwilling to give it orally Lord Justice Scott Baker
The lawyers for Mr Al Fayed and the family of Mr Paul argued that the Coroners' Rules 1984 prevented the admission of purely written evidence because it was not "unlikely to be disputed".The lawyers for Mr Al Fayed and the family of Mr Paul argued that the Coroners' Rules 1984 prevented the admission of purely written evidence because it was not "unlikely to be disputed".
Lord Justice Scott Baker said he had taken a "liberal approach" to the rules on evidence because of the unique nature of the inquest.Lord Justice Scott Baker said he had taken a "liberal approach" to the rules on evidence because of the unique nature of the inquest.
He said: "One of the purposes of these inquests is to confirm or allay public suspicion.He said: "One of the purposes of these inquests is to confirm or allay public suspicion.
"It seems to me that where possible the jury should hear relevant evidence on all issues that remain live even where the witness is unwilling to give it orally.""It seems to me that where possible the jury should hear relevant evidence on all issues that remain live even where the witness is unwilling to give it orally."
The legal challenge is being heard before Lord Justice Thomas and Mrs Justice Dobbs.The legal challenge is being heard before Lord Justice Thomas and Mrs Justice Dobbs.