01/08/2003
MoD scientist death probe proceedings begin
The judge heading up the inquiry into the death of MoD weapons expert Dr David Kelly opened proceedings today by re-stating his independence – and then called the Prime Minister to give evidence before him.
The other key figures at the centre of the storm – Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, Downing Street communications chief Alistair Campbell, BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan and BBC chairman Gavyn Davis – will also be expected to answer questions before the probe.
Lord Hutton said that he would decide the breadth and scope of the inquiry and who should offer evidence.
He said that he had originally intended not to begin proceedings until after Dr Kelly's funeral. However, as the funeral has not yet taken place, Mrs Kelly informed Lord Hutton that she would have no objection to a preliminary sitting of the inquiry prior to the funeral.
Also at the meeting it was agreed that the inquiry would meet any legal costs which Mrs Kelly might incur.
Lord Hutton will also hear applications from interested parties and then adjourn the inquiry until after Dr Kelly's funeral.
Dr Kelly, who worked as a government advisor, felt the full glare of the media spotlight after the press picked him out as a possible source for the BBC story which claimed that the government had "sexed up" a dossier outlining grounds for going to war against Iraq.
However, Dr Kelly told a Commons foreign affairs select committee that he believed he could not have been the source for Mr GIlligan's original report.
Dr David Kelly (59) disappeared from his Faringdon home, Oxfordshire, on July 17 following a week of press attention. His body was found next morning in woodland five miles from his home.
The weapons' expert had died from bloodloss as the result of a knife wound to his wrist.
(GMcG)
The other key figures at the centre of the storm – Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, Downing Street communications chief Alistair Campbell, BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan and BBC chairman Gavyn Davis – will also be expected to answer questions before the probe.
Lord Hutton said that he would decide the breadth and scope of the inquiry and who should offer evidence.
He said that he had originally intended not to begin proceedings until after Dr Kelly's funeral. However, as the funeral has not yet taken place, Mrs Kelly informed Lord Hutton that she would have no objection to a preliminary sitting of the inquiry prior to the funeral.
Also at the meeting it was agreed that the inquiry would meet any legal costs which Mrs Kelly might incur.
Lord Hutton will also hear applications from interested parties and then adjourn the inquiry until after Dr Kelly's funeral.
Dr Kelly, who worked as a government advisor, felt the full glare of the media spotlight after the press picked him out as a possible source for the BBC story which claimed that the government had "sexed up" a dossier outlining grounds for going to war against Iraq.
However, Dr Kelly told a Commons foreign affairs select committee that he believed he could not have been the source for Mr GIlligan's original report.
Dr David Kelly (59) disappeared from his Faringdon home, Oxfordshire, on July 17 following a week of press attention. His body was found next morning in woodland five miles from his home.
The weapons' expert had died from bloodloss as the result of a knife wound to his wrist.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 July 2003
Hutton inquiry to go ahead on August 1
The inquiry into the death of MoD weapons expert Dr David Kelly is set to go ahead on August 1. The man leading the inquiry, Lord Hutton, met with Dr Kelly's widow at her home on Saturday morning to agree the scheduling. Lord Hutton said that he had originally intended not to begin proceedings until after Dr Kelly's funeral.
Hutton inquiry to go ahead on August 1
The inquiry into the death of MoD weapons expert Dr David Kelly is set to go ahead on August 1. The man leading the inquiry, Lord Hutton, met with Dr Kelly's widow at her home on Saturday morning to agree the scheduling. Lord Hutton said that he had originally intended not to begin proceedings until after Dr Kelly's funeral.
01 September 2003
Dr Kelly’s widow describes husband’s ordeal to Hutton inquiry
The widow of defence analyst Dr David Kelly has described how her husband’s despair increased as pressure grew over the Iraq intelligence dossier story.
Dr Kelly’s widow describes husband’s ordeal to Hutton inquiry
The widow of defence analyst Dr David Kelly has described how her husband’s despair increased as pressure grew over the Iraq intelligence dossier story.
28 January 2004
Dr Kelly committed suicide over fear of public disgrace: Hutton
Dr David Kelly took his own life over fears of losing his job and of being publicly disgraced, the Hutton inquiry was told. According to today's report, a further contributory factor in the scientist's death was the fear that his life's work had been "totally undermined" and that he did not share his problems and feelings with other people.
Dr Kelly committed suicide over fear of public disgrace: Hutton
Dr David Kelly took his own life over fears of losing his job and of being publicly disgraced, the Hutton inquiry was told. According to today's report, a further contributory factor in the scientist's death was the fear that his life's work had been "totally undermined" and that he did not share his problems and feelings with other people.
28 January 2004
Lord Hutton considers legal action against newspapers
Retired senior judge Lord Justice Hutton who published the findings of his inquiry into the death of government scientist Dr David Kelly on Wednesday lunchtime is considering taking legal action against newspapers that carried reports on his findings this morning.
Lord Hutton considers legal action against newspapers
Retired senior judge Lord Justice Hutton who published the findings of his inquiry into the death of government scientist Dr David Kelly on Wednesday lunchtime is considering taking legal action against newspapers that carried reports on his findings this morning.
18 May 2010
BBC 'Sorry' For Queen Joke
The BBC has apologised after a radio presenter made an on-air joke about the Queen dying. BBC WM presenter, Danny Kelly played the national anthem as he made the joke during his afternoon show. A BBC spokesman said it had been a reference to an item that was published on its website.
BBC 'Sorry' For Queen Joke
The BBC has apologised after a radio presenter made an on-air joke about the Queen dying. BBC WM presenter, Danny Kelly played the national anthem as he made the joke during his afternoon show. A BBC spokesman said it had been a reference to an item that was published on its website.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.