New twist to Woolmer hunt as inquest postponed by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 21st April 2007

 

The inquest into Bob Woolmer's death, scheduled to get underway on Monday, has been postponed due to "new and significant developments".

 

A statement from the Jamaican justice ministry said the decision was taken following advice from the coroner.

 

"The coroner wishes that these new and significant developments be pursued with the utmost urgency, taking into account that the officer in charge has advised that these new developments are critical to the progress and the eventual results of the investigations themselves," said the statement.

 

"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."

 

Woolmer, the coach of the Pakistan team at the World Cup, was found unconscious in his room at the Pegasus Hotel the morning after his side had suffered a shock defeat to Ireland.

 

Detectives launched a murder investigation after an autopsy indicated that the 58-year-old former England Test player had been strangled.

 

The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper said that the inquest had been postponed because of security concerns as the hearing was scheduled to begin a day before the first World Cup semi-final, being held at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

 

The report claimed that police had met with coroner Patrick Murphy.

 

During the meeting it was determined that the combined events would stretch police resources.

 

Deputy police commissioner Mark Shields, the man leading the hunt for the killer, said: "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," Shields 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."

 

Scotland Yard, Pakistan detectives as well as Interpol have been drafted in to help the investigation.

 

On Wednesday, Ireland's World Cup squad supplied statements, fingerprints and DNA samples as part of the ongoing police investigation.

 

"These tests were carried out with a view to eliminating the Ireland squad from their enquiries," said a team statement.

 

"We would like to stress that on the evening of the Woolmer murder, no member of the Irish squad were actually in the hotel, as they were attending a celebration St Patrick's Day party in Ocho Rios, some 50 miles away.

 

"The team didn't return until the late evening of Sunday, March 18."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)