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25/08/2009
Witness For Hamill Inquiry Welcomed
The Robert Hamill Inquiry has welcomed news that a key witness has agreed to give evidence.
An attack by a loyalist mob in Portadown town centre in 1997 remains at the heart of the continuing legal probe into the deadly circumstances.
At the High Court in Belfast this morning, counsel for the witness, Tracey Clarke informed the court that she would be willing to give evidence at the earliest opportunity.
There are continuing allegations that the crew of an RUC mobile patrol vehicle that was nearby made no attempt to intervene to protect Robert Hamill, 25, or his companions.
Last March, the Chairman of the Robert Hamill Inquiry, Sir Edwin Jowitt, (pictured above) referred to the High Court the failure of Ms Clarke to attend the Inquiry to give oral evidence.
She is said to be the former partner of a man once suspected of murdering Mr Hamill.
The referral provided for the High Court to commence civil enforcement proceedings against her to compel her to attend under section 36 of the Inquiries Act 2005.
Ms Clarke still failed to attend an oral hearing on 28th January 2009 after the Chairman issued a notice the previous day to compel Ms Clarke to attend under section 21 of the Inquiries Act.
Today, speaking after the High Court hearing, Judi Kemish, Solicitor and Secretary to the Inquiry, said: "The Inquiry is pleased that Ms Clarke has agreed to give evidence."
Ms Clarke was the first witness who had failed to attend the Inquiry after being served with a notice issued under section 21 of the Inquiries Act.
The Inquiry is into the role of the then Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) with regard to the circumstances surrounding Mr Hamill's death and the subsequent investigation.
The Inquiry will also examine the role of the Northern Ireland Director for Public Prosecutions in relation to the police investigation.
See: Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
See: Police To Be Anonymous At Hamill Inquiry
(BMcC/GK)
An attack by a loyalist mob in Portadown town centre in 1997 remains at the heart of the continuing legal probe into the deadly circumstances.
At the High Court in Belfast this morning, counsel for the witness, Tracey Clarke informed the court that she would be willing to give evidence at the earliest opportunity.
There are continuing allegations that the crew of an RUC mobile patrol vehicle that was nearby made no attempt to intervene to protect Robert Hamill, 25, or his companions.
Last March, the Chairman of the Robert Hamill Inquiry, Sir Edwin Jowitt, (pictured above) referred to the High Court the failure of Ms Clarke to attend the Inquiry to give oral evidence.
She is said to be the former partner of a man once suspected of murdering Mr Hamill.
The referral provided for the High Court to commence civil enforcement proceedings against her to compel her to attend under section 36 of the Inquiries Act 2005.
Ms Clarke still failed to attend an oral hearing on 28th January 2009 after the Chairman issued a notice the previous day to compel Ms Clarke to attend under section 21 of the Inquiries Act.
Today, speaking after the High Court hearing, Judi Kemish, Solicitor and Secretary to the Inquiry, said: "The Inquiry is pleased that Ms Clarke has agreed to give evidence."
Ms Clarke was the first witness who had failed to attend the Inquiry after being served with a notice issued under section 21 of the Inquiries Act.
The Inquiry is into the role of the then Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) with regard to the circumstances surrounding Mr Hamill's death and the subsequent investigation.
The Inquiry will also examine the role of the Northern Ireland Director for Public Prosecutions in relation to the police investigation.
See: Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
See: Police To Be Anonymous At Hamill Inquiry
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
