Woolmer Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
The Coroner's inquest into the death of Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer, due to begin on Monday, has been postponed amid security concerns due in part to a clash with the Cricket World Cup 2007 semi-final being held at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
The Gleaner understands that the decision was taken following a high-level meeting yesterday afternoon attended by Gil Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Coroner Patrick Murphy, Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe and officials from the Ministry of Justice.
Police resources
During the meeting it was determined that the combined events would stretch police resources. However, a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, attributed the change in dates to concerns expressed by lead investigator Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields that there were "new and significant developments".
The statement did not mention a possible date and its wording suggested the inquest could be cancelled.
"If it becomes necessary for an inquest to be held after the new and material developments have been investigated, then another date for the holding of the inquest will be appointed," it read. A Justice Ministry spokesman declined to elaborate.
Contacted by The Gleaner, DCP Shields said he had requested a postponement.
"My principal concerns were (that) to conduct an inquest at this stage may seriously hinder the progress of the criminal investigation, including the potential for the suspect or suspects to be alerted as to the progress of the investigation," he said. "It might also prejudice a jury trial and the investigation is still at an early stage and is extremely complicated and holding an inquest now would be premature. There is also the consideration of the semi-final happening in Kingston at the same time."
Some toxicology reports ready
The coroner had given the date of April 23 last Wednesday but, at a press conference on Saturday, DCP Shields said only some of the toxicology reports were complete.
He declined to comment further, but acknowledged a report that officers were yesterday in Grenada collecting statements, fingerprints and DNA evidence from the Irish cricket team who had also been staying in the Jamaica Pegasus hotel where Bob Woolmer was found unconscious before being pronounced dead on Sunday, March 18.
DCP Shields added that officers were also collecting similar evidence from guests who had now moved on to Barbados.
ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com
