Showing posts with label bondage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bondage. Show all posts

Session 15. Wednesday, May 2, 2012

SESSION 15. Wednesday, May 2, 2012
CORONER: Fiona Wilcox
8:45@skynewsgathererLegal submissions have begun in Gareth Williams inquest
8:46@skynewsgathererBarrister for SIS says that an unlawful killing option is not open to coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox
8:47@skynewsgathererCoroner agrees there is insufficient evidence for unlawful killing verdict and says narrative verdict is most suitable option
8:52@skynewsgathererCoroner says she will be making an assessment of reliability and credibility of the evidence
8:56@skynewsgathererCoroner says she will try to deliver before lunch. It could take up to 2 hours as it runs to "many pages"
8:56@stone_skynewsCoroner in Gareth Williams inquest says she cant see any other option for verdict other than narrative or open verdict
8:56@stone_skynewsThe coroner says that an open verdict would not give weight to the considerable evidence heard in the inquest
8:56@stone_skynewsCoroner says there isnt enough evidence to consider a verdict of unlawful killing. Looks like it will be a narrative verdict
8:56@stone_skynewsA narrative verdict is an option open to a coroner when other verdict options don't fit case. It's a short factual statement outlining facts
8:56@stone_skynewsA narrative verdict does leave open the option to include any failures by any party relevant to circumstances of the death
10:18@skynewsgathererVerdict in inquest into death of Gareth Williams will now not be until at least noon
10:21@stone_skynewsBREAKING NEWS - Spy Death: Unlawful killing verdict ruled out. Video analysis here: news.sky.com
10:57@skynewsgathererPolice and family friends taking their seats in coroner's court ahead of narrative verdict into the death of Gareth Williams
11:03@stone_skynewsFor updates on verdict in the Gareth Williams inquest follow my colleague @skynewsgatherer & look back at her fascinating twitter timeline
11:04@skynewsgathererGareth's family have now arrived in court ahead of verdict
11:08@skynewsgathererCoroner Dr Fiona Wilcox begins summing up the evidence in inquest for death of Gareth Williams
11:08@skynewsgathererCoroner says she is unable to include speculation in her narrative verdict or express opinion or criminal liability
11:09@skynewsgatherer"This not a trial this is an enquiry," says Dr Wilcox
11:10@skynewsgathererCoroner can however comment on the "robustness" of the evidence presented before her
11:12@skynewsgathererCoroner decides which evidence she accepts and does not have to accept evidence from an expert - even if it is unchallenged
11:12@skynewsgathererUnlikely that this death will ever be satisfactorily explained, says coroner
11:13@skynewsgathererCoroner says there has been a lot of speculation but little evidence. Fundamental question as to cause of death still unanswered
11:14@skynewsgathererCoroner going through sequence of events which led to Gareth being found in padlocked bag in bath
11:16@skynewsgathererCoroner says following cordon established there was no unauthorised entry by MI6 or SO15 officers or 3rd party
11:17@skynewsgathererCoroner explaining how Supt Michael Broster of SO15 acted as conduit between SIS and murder squad
11:18@skynewsgathererThe fact that no statements taken from MI6 officers affected quality of evidence at inquest says coroner
11:19@skynewsgathererCoroner accepts that MI6 sealed and protected Gareth's possessions at his workplace
11:20@skynewsgathererCoroner outlining chain of command, and reviews of police investigation
11:24@skynewsgathererCoroner says Supt Broster had either disregarded rules for gathering evidence or events were not as given in court
11:25@skynewsgathererBroster told court he seized Gareth's phone from work cabinet, took it back to Scotland Yard the handed it to another officer
11:27@skynewsgathererBag, memory sticks, leave card and keys were not known to either coroner or lead police officer until last TWO days of evidence
11:27@skynewsgathererCoroner says this questions reliability of the evidence
11:28@skynewsgathererCoroner: no evidence that Gareth died at hands of SIS colleague but still a legitimate line of enquiry as Gareth socialised with so few people
11:30@skynewsgathererCoroner: It was not Broster's role to decide on evidence. How could he act as conduit if he didn't pass info on?
11:31@skynewsgathererCoroner says she had considered adjourning verdict for further investigation
11:32@skynewsgathererCoroner now turning to chronology of last days of Gareth's life
11:36@skynewsgathererCoroner says MI6 should not have been allowed to analyse memory sticks and it wouldn't have happened if it was another agency
11:36@skynewsgathererCoroner remarks how clean and tidy Gareth's flat was - and the heating was on in August
11:38@skynewsgathererNo signs of robbery at Gareth's flat, says coroner as she lists items found at flat
11:39@skynewsgathererItems included CDs, bike gear, and 20k of women's high end clothing. No women's underwear
11:40@skynewsgathererBath robe and duvet on floor were "incongruous" with neatly folded clothes on bed, coroner says
11:41@skynewsgathererCoroner describing bag, padlock and the fact that Gareth's body appeared to be peaceful
11:43@skynewsgathererKey that fitted padlock were found in bag, and another on set of keyrings on bedside cabinet
11:44@skynewsgathererNo trace of semen inside or outside bag Gareth's body found in
11:45@skynewsgathererCoroner says fingerprints that were NOT found are more significant. No prints on bath where expected
11:46@skynewsgathererOver 300 house to house enquires made, court told
11:48@skynewsgathererCoroner outlining how extra time & resources were put into looking for 3rd party after mistake was made in logging DNA evidence
11:49@skynewsgathererCoroner says Gareth was extremely intelligent and close to his family, with a sharp sense of humour. Also keen cyclist
11:50@skynewsgathererGareth was fell runner with passion for the mountains, interested in art, fashion, music and Japanese cartoons
11:51@skynewsgathererCoroner says interest in Manga was important piece of evidence and will come back to it
11:52@skynewsgathererGareth was a clearly private person, he had few friends - no friends visited his flat. He was single at time of death, says coroner
11:53@skynewsgathererEven Gareth's friends and family did not know he had been on fashion courses
11:55@skynewsgathererGareth's sister describes him as cautious risk assessor. Which coroner says is difficult to "square" with suggestion of bondage interest
11:56@skynewsgathererIf Gareth had interest in bondage Coroner says that she would have expected more Internet searching
11:57@skynewsgathererCoroner says she finds it "highly unlikely" that Gareth got into the bag as part of bondage
11:58@skynewsgathererIf Gareth had got into bag he would have taken knife in with him because he was a risk assessor, says coroner
12:00@skynewsgathererThere's no evidence of semen to suggest autoeroticism, says coroner. Also no evidence that Gareth was interested in cross dressing
12:00@skynewsgathererMost of women's clothes would have been too small for Gareth and lack of female underwear was "inconsistent"
12:01@skynewsgathererMake up and website browsing was more likely to be have been due his interest in Manga rather than being transvestite
12:03@skynewsgatherer1000 pound boots found at Gareth's flat would have fitted his sister
12:06@skynewsgathererCoroner questions whether leaks to the media about Gareth cross dressing were attempts to manipulate the evidence
12:08@skynewsgathererCoroner now turning to Gareth's state of mind
12:09@skynewsgathererGareth had asked to go back to GCHQ and move was not initiated by MI6. No one who knew him had worries about him
12:10@skynewsgathererNo evidence that Gareth wanted to leave and set up his own business or that he was being followed
12:14@skynewsgathererCoroner says Gareth had "robust" finances. He spent a lot of money on fashion collection but there's no evidence of debt
12:15@skynewsgathererNo evidence of suicide intent, says coroner
12:16@skynewsgathererCoroner says she is half way through her summing up
12:21@skynewsgathererCoroner going through evidence from MI6 workers and the fact it took a week to report Gareth missing
12:23@skynewsgathererCoroner says credibility of evidence difficult to accept - it not very often that MI6 officers are found in such peculiar circumstances
12:25@skynewsgathererWitness G says he had not seen holiday request card despite it being in a shared cupboard
12:26@skynewsgathererCoroner says Witness G had ample evidence to know Gareth was missing as he had failed to turn up at meetings
12:28@skynewsgathererThe fact that Witness G couldn't remember when he last saw Gareth was 'beginning to stretch the bounds of credibility' says coroner
12:32@skynewsgathererNothing was done to try and find Gareth until Aug 20th says corner. Witness G says it was 17th
12:33@skynewsgathererPhone records shows that no calls were made to Gareth's phone on 17th
12:35@skynewsgathererCoroner now turns to whether any evidence of interference with crime scene
12:37@skynewsgathererDCI Sebire had stated that there was no evidence that the bag had been washed and following 23 Aug crime scene was protected
12:37@skynewsgathererCoroner says its pure speculation that flat was entered by someone between 16th and 23rd Aug 2010
12:41@skynewsgathererCoroner says how Gareth's personal risk was not increased after he and team won award for "world class" project
12:42@skynewsgathererGareth had never worked "operationally" overseas and had never been to Afghanistan
12:43@skynewsgathererThere was no reason to think Gareth's death was connected to his work, says coroner
12:44@skynewsgatherer"Once more, lots of speculation and no evidence," says coroner
12:45@skynewsgathererGareth's body had minor unexplained injuries says coroner. No evidence of strangulation or defensive injuries
12:46@skynewsgathererPathologists agreed that although cause of death was unascertained only 2 possibilities. Suffocation or poisoning
12:46@skynewsgathererCoroner says she accepts that cause of death was unnatural
12:48@skynewsgathererCoroner says it is possible Gareth entered bag voluntarily outside bathroom and moved - but she says unlikely
12:49@skynewsgathererGrazes on elbows could have been caused by attempt by Gareth to reach the lock - however no evidence that he tried to escape
12:50@skynewsgatherer"On balance more likely that Gareth entered the bag alive & died soon afterwards either by hypercapnia or effects of unknown poison"
12:51@skynewsgathererCoroner says she cannot be sure death was unlawful
12:53@skynewsgatherer(Hypercapnia is too much carbon dioxide in blood)
12:54@skynewsgathererCoroner turns to bag expert evidence. Inquest heard from 2 people who tried to lock themselves into similar XL North Face holdall
12:58@skynewsgathererCororer: Either Gareth got in bag and moved to bath by 3rd party or was put in bag by 3rd party
12:59@skynewsgathererCoroner says that she is satisfied that 3rd party moved bag containing Gareth into the bath
13:00@skynewsgathererPoisoning remains a possibility as to how Gareth died says Coroner
13:01@skynewsgathererIt's remotely possible that Gareth was found dead in bag and moved - but why would 3rd party clean up if not involved, asks coroner
13:02@skynewsgathererHow did bag get in bath? It didn't levitate there. Why would the heating be on during a hot time of the year? Asks coroner
13:03@skynewsgathererCoroner says she had not seen any evidence of motive or direct causation of death. Or who 3rd party might be
13:04@skynewsgathererCoroner cannot return unlawful killing as she cannot be sure. She also discounts all other short term verdicts and chooses narrative verdict
13:05@skynewsgathererCoroner says wiped phone also raises questions as to whether it was used to arrange meeting
13:06@skynewsgathererCoroner says that on balance of probabilities Gareth was killed unlawfully
13:07@skynewsgathererCause of Gareth's death was unnatural and likely to have been "criminal" says coroner
13:08@skynewsgathererCoroner says Gareth's death was "criminally mediated"
13:10@skynewsgathererCoroner concludes by thanking barristers and DCI Jackie Sebire, officer in charge of case
13:10@skynewsgathererCoroner also passes sympathy to Gareth's family. "Nothing can be said to bring your son back to you," she says
13:12@skynewsgathererCoroner says death was criminally mediated - as yet death not treated as murder by Met, but as suspicious
13:28@skynewsgathererPhotographers waiting for statement from Gareth Williams family
13:40@skynewsgathererMI6 chief apologises "unreservedly" to Mr Williams's family over way inquiry hampered by his colleagues failing to react
13:44@skynewsgathererFamily statement on @SkyNews
13:45@skynewsgathererFamily disappointed in failures by MI6 to make possible evidence available to police
13:46@skynewsgathererFamily thank DCI Jackie Sebire. Say they miss Gareth every single day
13:54@skynewsgathererDCI Jackie Sebire says police now chasing new lines of enquiry raised during inquest
16:01@skynewsgathererAwaiting statement at New Scotland Yard for Met Police response to criticisms arising from Gareth Williams inquest
16:05@skynewsgathererStatement expected any minute from Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt. It will be on @SkyNews
16:08@skynewsgathererMet: review launched into exhibit handling in Gareth Williams investigation
16:40@skynewsgathererPolice appeal for anyone with info relating to death of Gareth Williams to call incident room on 0208 358 0200 or crimestoppers
END OF SESSION 15. Wednesday Morning/Afternoon, May 2, 2012

Link to source of May 2 coverage
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Session 14. Tuesday Afternoon, May 1, 2012

SESSION 14. Tuesday Afternoon, May 1, 2012
12:39@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams resumes after lunch break. Not surprisingly Supt Michael Broster is back
WITNESS: Michael Broster
12:42@skynewsgathererSupt led search at MI6 building. He says he didn't search himself but when cabinet was opened iPhone was 'immediately obvious'
12:44@skynewsgathererSupt Broster confirms he seized iPhone from cabinet on Gareth's office at MI6
12:48@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says he can't remember if cabinet was sealed on his first visit to Gareth's office on 26th
12:50@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says he played no part in search. That was done by earlier witness DC Hall
12:52@skynewsgathereriPhone seized by Supt Broster was not put in exhibits bag until it was back at Scotland Yard
12:54@skynewsgathererCoroner: "Did you tell DC Hall you had seized it so it could be noted in log?" Broster: "I can't recall, it maybe that I neglected do that,"
12:57@skynewsgathererThe cabinet was used by Gareth and his colleagues. Gareth's possessions were mainly found on 2nd shelf
12:59@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says he was only told of the black bag after he had returned NSY. He didn't notice it during search of office
13:01@skynewsgathererSupt Broster confirms that no inventory made of Gareth's possessions at office. He says only relevant items should be seized
13:02@skynewsgathererCoroner asking how DC Hall should identify "relevant" items
13:03@skynewsgathererSupt being asked about 9 memory sticks - which murder squad not told about
13:04@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says memory cards were not brought to his attention at time of first search
13:06@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says they were first identified in an inventory created by SIS in Sept 2011
13:07@skynewsgathererA second inventory had list of 30 different sorts of things from Gareth's box folder. One just says misc items
13:08@skynewsgathererSupt Broster admits these inventories were not shared with senior investigating officer. He did not know what misc items were
13:09@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says had he given these to murder squad team it wouldn't have helped investigation
13:12@skynewsgathererCoroner reminds Supt Broster that he had previously given evidence that investigation was not hampered by SO15's involvement
13:13@skynewsgathererCoroner asking why items were not seized when Supt Broster was told about them in 2011
13:14@skynewsgathererSupt says he could not attribute items as having been used by Gareth. Despite inventory listed as "content of Gareth's tray"
13:16@skynewsgatherer"If this had been given to you by any other type of agency you would have seized it," asks coroner
13:17@skynewsgatherer"I am suggesting that you are not being completely impartial in this case" says Coroner. "I am completely impartial" says Broster
13:18@skynewsgatherer"In hindsight it's something that SO15 could have done," says Broster when asked if SO15 should have examined memory sticks
13:19@skynewsgatherer"It seems DCI Sebire has been relying on communications with the agencies on you," says Coroner
13:19@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says that he passed all relevant information on to murder squad team
13:22@skynewsgathererSupt Broster, of Met's counter terror team, says he is impartial despite allowing MI6 to examine memory sticks
13:34@skynewsgathererSupt Broster: "I am not saying a member of SIS isn't involved. I don't know. It might have been SIS, or someone unconnected"
13:40@skynewsgathererSupt Broster says keys found were for the office - he was told this by SIS. He didn't check
13:40@stone_skynewsMore curious evidence this pm from Gareth Williams inquest. Too much to tweet it all but interesting observation now from Police witness..
13:40@stone_skynewsDiscussing why certain items of evidence at MI6 weren't seized, Police officer says Met can't just walk into MI6 & do what they want
13:42@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer:" So if person who killed Gareth is a member if SIS, you don't investigate because SIS is trustworthy?"
13:42@stone_skynewsPolice officer admits that MI6 were left to examine memory sticks to see what was on them. Police never seized the sticks. Gareth Williams
13:46@stone_skynewsCoroner suggests to police witness that he is not an impartial investigator. "an impartial investigator would have seized items themselves"
13:46@skynewsgathererLawyer for SIS says a receipt for hotel bill from Las Vegas was also seized but both Supt Broster and DC Hall had no knowledge of this
13:52@stone_skynewsFamily lawyer asks cop: "so if the person who killed Gareth Williams was a member of SIS (MI6) you would do nothing to investigate because.
13:52@stone_skynews... you believed that organisation to be trustworthy?" Cop says don't put words into my mouth. He insists MI6 have been fully cooperative
13:54@skynewsgathererRT @Stone_SkyNews: Family lawyer asks cop: "so if the person who killed Gareth Williams was a member of SIS (MI6) you would do nothing t ..
13:55@skynewsgathererRT @Stone_SkyNews: ... you believed that organisation to be trustworthy?" Cop says don't put words into my mouth. He insists MI6 have be ..
13:58@skynewsgathererInquest adjourned for screens to be put up in court to shield identity of next witness
14:02@skynewsgathererAnonymous witness is being described a SIS D - no further details of who it is yet
14:20@skynewsgathererInquest resumes SIS D is the manager of Gareth's line manager (witness G)
WITNESS: Witness D
14:22@skynewsgathererSIS D's signature was on Gareth's annual leave card. Witness says he would do this if line manager was away
14:24@skynewsgathererWitness D says other than the card there we no other records of leave booked
14:25@skynewsgathererWitness knew Gareth had not been in work and was told that HR had been informed
14:28@skynewsgathererWitness D says he was not passed any specific information as to how to secure Gareth's possessions - but more tape and a note put on cabinet
14:29@skynewsgathererWitnesses D and G were present during police search of cabinet on aug 26 2010
14:30@skynewsgathererWitness, or his colleague, would have opened cabinet for SO15 officers Broster and Hall, inquest told
14:32@skynewsgathererWitness cannot remember if anything was seized from cabinet - he can't remember if iPhone was taken from shelf
14:34@skynewsgathererWitness can't remember if Supt Broster was in room for whole of 55 minute search
14:35@skynewsgathererWitness cannot remember the black bag shown to the court earlier
14:37@skynewsgathererWitness was also at subsequent search on 27th
14:43@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer now asking questions. Witness says cabinet was locked on Aug 26 but didn't have any additional seals on it
14:44@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer asking whether items from other colleagues were removed. They were not
14:46@skynewsgathererWitness says it's possible cabinet could have been opened by SIS when police were not present
14:48@skynewsgathererMet police lawyer now asking questions. Witness says no notes were taken at time and has only just been asked to recall events
14:49@skynewsgathererWitness was only asked for his account of events yesterday and admits his recollection is "hazy"
14:51@skynewsgathererScreens now being removed. Coroner still expects to complete all evidence today
15:08@skynewsgathererPolice have requested that exhibits presented before coroner are not released to the media as DCI has only just seen them
15:09@skynewsgathererStatement now from GCHQ team leader, who was point of contact for SO15
STATEMENT: GCHQ team leader
15:15@skynewsgathererDCI Jackie Sebire, now recalled. She is the SIO for the murder enquiry into death of Gareth Williams
WITNESS: Jackie Sebire
15:17@skynewsgathererDCI asked if any of Gareth's footprints were found on tiles in bathroom after watching expert witness try to get into bag in bath
15:17@skynewsgathererNo footprints were found other than on the floor, inquest told
15:18@skynewsgatherer2 detectives from SO15 went to Las Vegas to trace Gareth's last movements. Nothing was raised with enquiry team
15:20@skynewsgathererDCI confirms that Gareth's finances were key line of enquiry but no unusual entries to his four accounts
15:20@skynewsgathererReceipts and bank statements showed purchase of expensive women's clothes but no unusual deposits or withdrawals
15:22@skynewsgathererCoroner asks Gareth's sister or shoe size. It is 6.5. (similar to shoes found in Gareth's flat)
15:25@skynewsgathererWhen asked about phone found in Gareth's flat - DCI says no calls were made on phone before Gareth's death
15:25@skynewsgathererThis phone had been restored to factory settings - no data was found with the network provider
15:27@skynewsgathererDCI says in an ideal world she would have liked to have had 'primary access to' all the material gathered from Gareth's work
15:28@skynewsgathererDCI says investigation has never been classified as a murder enquiry - it's a suspicious death
15:29@skynewsgathererDCI says all lines of enquiry will be relooked at following new information which has come out during inquest
15:29@skynewsgathererDCI Sebire says after hearing all the evidence she still regards Gareth Williams' death as suspicious
15:30@skynewsgathererDCI says enquiries are still ongoing and won't stop until answers found
15:32@skynewsgathererDCI looked into how someone could covertly enter Gareth's flat without keys - says someone could put arm through letter box
15:32@skynewsgathererDCI says two bag experts used by police were independent of each other and only met at court last week
15:36@skynewsgathererDCI says SIS officers we always interviewed with a lawyer or HR manager present
15:40@skynewsgathererDCI says she got witness statements from some people but not anonymous witnesses - she thought this was policy decision made by Supt Broster
15:42@skynewsgathererDCI confirms that over a 2 year period there were only 4 days when Gareth looked up bondage sites
15:44@skynewsgathererThere appears to be coincidence of use of bondage sites with application for secondment and course, says family lawyer
15:45@skynewsgathererDCI says she looked at coincidence and asked Supt Broster to look into whether courses included methods of escape
15:46@skynewsgathererDCI couldn't establish if Gareth had visited gay bars in Vauxhall
15:48@skynewsgathererDCI says she has seen first hand distress caused to family and team about leaks of information to media
15:49@skynewsgathererInformation appeared in press that DCI Sebire's team didn't even know about, she tells inquest
15:50@skynewsgathererDCI says her team felt very strongly that they didn't want enquiry prejudiced in any way
15:50@skynewsgathererDCI says practically every line of enquiry from public was followed up
15:52@skynewsgathererDCI says that while exhibits officers were at flat the boiler kicked in 3 times to turn the heating and water on (in August)
15:53@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer asking if heating could have speeded decomposition of body
15:55@skynewsgathererDCI says she can't answer question about whether previous tenants in Gareth's flat did the same work
15:56@skynewsgathererDCI also says she can't say how many employees of GCHQ/SIS have given DNA samples to investigating team
15:57@skynewsgathererDCI: "We have a lot more telephone and computer work, all evidence from inquest will be looked at.. Plus info from work colleagues"
15:58@skynewsgathererDCI says it's a decision for her boss as to whether she will continue to be the SIO on the case
15:59@skynewsgathererDCI says had SIS reported Gareth missing earlier in the day it would have made a difference as more resources available
16:03@skynewsgathererDCI says she strongly believes 3rd party was involved in Gareth's death and urges people to "search their consciences"
16:07@skynewsgathererAll evidence now concluded in inquest into Gareth Williams death. Coroner will deliver verdict tomorrow after legal submissions
END OF SESSION 14. Tuesday Afternoon, May 1, 2012

Link to source of May 1 coverage
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Session 10. Friday Afternoon, April 27, 2012

SESSION 10. Friday Afternoon, April 27, 2012
14:41@tomskynewsInquest hears laptop belonging to Gareth Williams accessed Wikipedia page about bondage and had stored electronic images of a drag queen
14:50@skynewsgathererBack at inquest. Witness is DC Robert Burrows who examined Gareth's phones
WITNESS: Robert Burrows
14:55@skynewsgathererThere were no signs phone had been called on 17th Aug. (MI6 said they had tried to contact Gareth when he failed to show for work)
14:56@skynewsgathererPhone most used by Gareth was discovered in cabinet in living room. Again no calls made to it on 17+20 Aug
14:58@skynewsgathererWitness corrects himself and says 3 calls made to that number - all from intelligence services on 20th. None on 17th
15:04@skynewsgathererGareth accessed fetish clothing websites on one of his iPhones on Sept 15 2009
15:05@skynewsgathererA couple of days later he looked up a different fetish clothing website
15:06@skynewsgathererGareth only looked at a few fetish pages which made up 2% of browsing history. He mostly looked at cycling, weather, IT and fashion
15:08@skynewsgathererIn Oct 2009 there were multiple hits on 'self bondage' and fetish clothing websites on Gareth's phone
15:09@skynewsgathererDeleted data from a different phone shows Gareth looked up a different self bondage website
15:10@skynewsgathererBrowsing on Gareth's main phone shows that on aug 13 2010 a fetish clothing website was accessed
15:12@skynewsgathererOn work iPhone there was a link to a photo of model wrapped in plastic with vacuum cleaner sucking air out of plastic
15:12@skynewsgathererExpert says that there were no photos involving bags, but one of someone tied to bed
15:15@skynewsgathererImage found on one phone of someone who appears to be Gareth naked apart from pair of leather boots
15:17@skynewsgathererExpert says the browsing of bondage and fetish sites is inconsistent. The last sites accessed were from a cycling club
15:19@skynewsgathererOne iPhone found had been restored to factory settings, the phone was backed up on Aug 15. Can't say when wiped
15:21@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer asking if any correlation between Gareth looking at fetish sites and when Gareth was on SIS course
15:22@skynewsgathererExpert admits access to fetish sites are 'out of character' when compared to general browsing
15:25@skynewsgathererWitness on phone evidence has now finished. Statement now from Gareth's line manager at GCHQ
WITNESS: Gareth's line manager at GCHQ
15:28@skynewsgathererLine manager says Gareth seemed happy the last time he spoke with him
15:31@skynewsgathererInquest told that pathologists will give evidence on Monday
15:33@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams adjourned until 0930 Monday
15:37@tomskynewsInquest into death of MI6 officer Gareth Williams over now til Monday - report coming up on @skynews
15:39@skynewsgathererCoroner says verdict in Gareth Williams inquest expected on Wednesday
END OF SESSION 10. Friday Afternoon, April 27, 2012

Link to source of April 27 coverage
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Session 7. Thursday Morning, April 26, 2012

SESSION 7. Thursday Morning, April 26, 2012
8:37@skynewsgathererBack to inquest with @skymartinbrunt and @Stone_SkyNews. Expect to hear from more SIS staff
8:42@skymartinbruntUnexplained delay at start of today's hearing
8:42@skynewsgathererDelay to start of Gareth Williams inquest. Media not allowed into the annexe
8:47@skymartinbruntHearing about to start. Screens up to hide spook witnesses we are not allowed to identify
8:49@skynewsgathererAllowed back into the media room. Blue screens still up in court to protect identity of next witness called SIS F
WITNESS: SIS F
8:52@skymartinbruntFirst witness is MI6 woman officer known as 'F'
8:52@skynewsgathererSIS F had no contact with Gareth - but is here to represent secret service, inquest told
8:53@skynewsgathererWitness says SIS first became aware of Gareth's death on evening of 23rd
8:54@skymartinbruntShe never met Gareth but knows all about him from MI6 files
8:55@skymartinbruntshe says no MI6 officers went into his flat before or after body discoverd. Nor did counter terror cops or other agencies
8:55@skynewsgathererWitness says no MI6 officers went into the flat before or after the discovery of Gareth's body
8:57@skymartinbruntNo evidence spooks involved in cover up of his death
8:58@stone_skynewsThe Gareth Williams inquest now hearing from witness known only as SIS F, out of sight behind screen. The female is MI6 Intelligence officer
8:59@skymartinbruntGareth originally rejected in bid to move on secondment to MI6. Later successful
8:59@stone_skynewsSIS F had never met Gareth Williams. She is here to provide more information about his professional life. Perhaps more info on what he did?
9:01@stone_skynewsSIS F says she has "no knowledge" of any cover-up by MI6 & that a cover-up would be outside MI6 remit anyway. Gareth Williams
9:01@skymartinbruntGareth was highly skilled with an able technical brain
9:04@skymartinbruntZero risk to him from contact with MI6 recruited agents. His work did not require him to dress in women's clothing says witness
9:04@stone_skynewsSIS F says Gareth Williams work did not involve him having to dress in women's clothing. (£20,000 of women's clothes found at flat)
9:11@skynewsgathererMI6 witnesses telling inquest about courses and training Gareth received
9:12@skynewsgathererGareth had failed a course on operational deployment because 'he didn't reach the standards required'
9:12@skynewsgathererGareth then retook the course and passed. Tutor had said his improvement had been 'immense'
9:13@skynewsgathererGareth only worked operationally in the UK. He had never travelled to Russia or Afghanistan as suggested in media
9:14@stone_skynewsSIS F says that media reports suggesting that Gareth Williams had been to Afghanistan & Russia are wrong. He had never been to either
9:16@skynewsgathererGareth was carrying out work with low level of risk, says MI6 witness. He was not trained or experienced enough to work overseas
9:20@skymartinbruntQuite rare for GCHQ staff to leave MI6 secondment early
9:22@skymartinbruntMI6 very satisfied with Gareth's work
9:22@stone_skynewsThe inquest is hearing about Gareth Williams professional life now, but the crux of the whole case remains whether he could have locked himself in the bag
9:22@stone_skynewsThe cop in charge of the investigation - which remains open - says the key question is could Gareth Williams have locked himself into the holdall
9:22@skynewsgathererWitness describes Gareth as a fully deployable highly talented officer. No evidence he had been pulled off job
9:22@skynewsgathererQuestions now turn to where Gareth was living
9:23@skynewsgathererThe flat was let through a GCHQ approved letting agency. It was not a 'safe house' says witness
9:23@skymartinbruntHis flat was not MI6 safe house says witness
9:24@stone_skynewsCoroner asks SIS F if Gareth Williams flat in Pimlico was a 'safe house' as some speculation has suggested. "It was not" says SIS F
9:25@skymartinbruntHe made very substantial contribution to MI6 work
9:26@skynewsgathererGareth was a very pleasant individual, but intensely private and not someone who workmates would socialise with, says witness
9:28@skymartinbruntMI6 colleagues found him good colleague but intensely private and didn't socialise with them even in shared interests
9:29@skymartinbruntNo concerns over his vetting. He was considered low risk
9:32@skymartinbruntCoroner asks if MI6 staff should report contact with anyone from Kurdistan. Witness said she couldn't answer that
9:33@skynewsgathererWitness now explaining vetting process. Gareth raised no issues prior to his death
9:34@stone_skynewsHints again of restrictions to Gareth Williams inquest. SIS F hesitates before answering question about countries which could be threat to UK
9:34@skynewsgathererMI6 officer says Gareth had no requirement to tell SIS about his interest in clothes or his design course
9:35@skynewsgathererWitness says she can't answer whether Gareth should have told SIS if he had contact with someone from Kurdistan
9:36@skynewsgathererMI6 officer says she can't answer whether Gareth should have told his friends that he used different names
9:37@skynewsgathererGareth made small number of unauthorised searches of SIS database, inquest told
9:37@skymartinbruntGareth did some unauthorised database searches. Not unheard of
9:38@skynewsgathererMI6 officers says this happens from time to time and can often be explained
9:40@skynewsgathererWitness says that if Gareth was doing something against policy, and 3rd party knew about, they could put pressure on him
9:40@stone_skynewsSIS F explains that MI6 officers must tell manager if they develop friendship with individuals from countries seen as a threat to UK
9:40@stone_skynewsCoroner asks whether friendship with an individual from US would require clearance..
9:40@stone_skynewsSIS F says she's not sure if she can answer it. Pauses. Then says no - US friendship would not require clearance
9:40@stone_skynewsCoroner then asks about friendship with individual from Kurdistan. Would officer have to tell bosses about that. SIS F says she can't answer
9:40@skynewsgathererWitness doesn't believe though that unauthorised searches put Gareth at risk
9:41@skymartinbruntNo evidence his unauthorised database searches were known to any hostile third party or were related to his death
9:42@skynewsgathererInquest heard earlier in week that Gareth may have had contact with man from Kurdistan through friend Elizabeth Guthrie
9:43@skynewsgathererMI6 witness tells inquest that she had no reason to think death of Gareth Williams was connected to his work
9:44@skymartinbruntMI6 review a year after his death concluded his death not connected with his work says witness
9:48@skymartinbruntNo threat to Gareth from any foreign intel service or agency and he hadn't been recognised or targeted by anyone
9:48@stone_skynewsCoroner asks whether SIS thought any foreign Intel organisation represented a threat to Gareth Williams. Witness SIS F says "No"
9:50@skynewsgathererWitness admits it 'clearly took far too long' to report Gareth missing. She says it was because policies were not communicated properly
9:51@skymartinbruntWitness says MI6 took far too long to check in him when he didn't turn up at work a week before body found
9:52@skynewsgathererWitness F says Gareth's boss should have told line manager and welfare department he had not shown up for work
9:53@stone_skynewsCoroner asks what comment SIS has for fact that Gareth Williams was not reported meeting for a week. SIS F: "It clearly took far too long"
9:53@stone_skynewsSIS F: "There were processes & policies in place. Clearly they were not followed. They haven't been communicated & trained strongly enough."
9:53@stone_skynewsWitness SIS F is strongly suggesting that Gareth Williams line manager, Witness G, failed to follow procedure for when officer is missing
9:53@skynewsgathererWitness says there should be 'greater clarity between GCHQ and SIS' about who is responsible for employees
9:54@skynewsgathererCoroner says she struggles to understand how a team which is supposed to be 'first class' didn't know what each other were doing
9:55@skymartinbruntCoroner says she struggling to understand how high-tech team didn't use electronic diary to know what exactly each other was doing
9:56@skynewsgathererCoroner says there's evidence of a complete break down in communication in relation to Gareth. MI6 witness agrees
9:56@skymartinbruntCoroner says there was complete breakdown of communication at MI6 over Gareth's absence
9:57@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer now asking about whether aspects of Gareth's private life would 'render him unsuitable for SIS work'
9:58@skynewsgathererWitness says vetting looks at 'trustworthiness and reliability - not about lifestyle or sexual preferences or choices which are legitimate'
10:00@skymartinbruntAnyone can have sex and lifestyle preferences and it's up to them to discuss it with vetting team for assessment
10:04@stone_skynewsFamily lawyer asks about vetting for Gareth Williams - SIS F says she can't specifically comment on vetting for Gareth
10:06@stone_skynewsFamily lawyer refers to suggestions in media (about Gareth Williams' possible sexual preferences) which could render him "unusable for SIS"
10:06@stone_skynewsSIS F says vetting looks at 'trustworthiness and reliability' - not lifestyle, sexual preferences or choices which are legitimate
10:06@skynewsgathererMI6 says they understood Gareth's reasons for wanting to leave London and go back to GCHQ
10:08@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer now asking again about Gareth's flat - letting agents told lawyer the tenant was 'secretary of state'
10:12@skynewsgathererFamily lawyer asks whether it would be fairer to say searches of database we 'unexplained' rather than 'unauthorised'. Witness agrees
10:13@skynewsgathererMI6 witness says the agency didn't launch its own investigation into Gareth's death as it was clearly a matter for police
10:16@skynewsgathererWitness says SIS are 'profoundly sorry' for delay in finding Gareth. Delay meant limited forensic evidence gathered from body
10:17@skynewsgathererImpact of Gareth's death means that everyone at SIS are now aware of responsibilities, says witness
10:18@skynewsgathererWitness also acknowledges that delay in finding Gareth made it even harder for his family
10:18@skymartinbruntWitness accepts delays in investigating his absence frustrated police investigation and caused more grief for family
10:18@stone_skynewsWitness SIS F: "MI6 are profoundly sorry about what happened [delay in reporting Gareth Williams missing] It shouldn't have happened."
10:18@stone_skynewsWitness SIS F: "We recognise the delay in finding Gareth Williams body has made it harder to come to terms with his death."
10:19@skynewsgathererInquest adjourned as family breaks down after hearing no disciplinary action was taken against Gareth's boss
10:20@skymartinbruntFamily member walks out in flood of tears as lawyer accuses Gareth Boss of total disregard for his welfare and safety in not reporting absence
10:20@stone_skynewsFamily of Gareth Williams leave court in tears as SIS F says no disciplinary action taken against officer who failed to report him missing
10:20@skynewsgathererGareth's boss, witness G, took a week to report him missing, the inquest heard yesterday
10:21@skymartinbruntInquest briefly adjourns because of family distress
10:22@stone_skynewsFamily lawyer for Gareth Williams had suggested that Witness G - who failed to report him missing - had "total disregard for his welfare"
10:23@stone_skynewsThis whole inquest must be extremely hard for Gareth Williams family. Every possible aspect of his personal & professional live is examined
10:24@skymartinbruntFamily lawyer says police investigation was defeated by MI6 failure to report Gareth's absence
10:25@skymartinbruntWitness says alarm should have been raised within two to four hours. It took eight days
10:26@skymartinbruntWitness says no disciplinary action was taken against Gareth's boss for not reporting his absence early as he should have done
10:31@skynewsgathererMI6 says they did not leak information to the media that Gareth looked up bondage websites
10:33@skymartinbruntWitness denies MI6 leaked to media details of Gareths computer searches of bondage websites
10:34@skynewsgathererMI6 witness says that if the police had asked for written signed witness statements they would have obliged
10:36@skymartinbruntWitnees denies anyone interfered with any of Gareth's electronic devices before handing to police
10:37@skynewsgathererMI6 confirms that all electronic devices used by Gareth were made available to police
10:37@skynewsgathererMI6 says that no one from agency entered Gareth's flat between 16+23 Aug
10:37@stone_skynewsWe still don't know categorically whether info about Gareth Williams looking at bondage websites is true or not. Discussed, not confirmed
10:39@skymartinbruntWitness says no spooks went into his flat between his first work absence and body discovery eight days later
10:39@skynewsgathererSIS F witness now finished. She is the last anonymous witness. Screens now being taken down. Inquest resumes at 1200
10:46@stone_skynewsAnonymous witnesses in Gareth Williams inquest done now. Courtroom screens removed. Next up: HR manager at GCHQ & another GCHQ employee
10:47@skymartinbruntScreens have been removed for the next witness who will begin evidence at 12 noon
11:13@skynewsgathererHelen Yelland from GCHQ now giving evidence. She was approached by Gareth's line manager at GCHQ on 20/08/10
WITNESS: Helen Yelland
11:18@skynewsgatherer'There was some confusion as to who was taking what checks,' says HR witness, when asked about when Gareth went missing
11:25@skynewsgathererMs Yelland says she had no info about Gareth's state of mind - police were told he had been "pulled off job and could have taken it badly"
11:28@skynewsgathererMs Yelland spoke to Gareth's sister at 1645 on 23rd to tell her she had reported Gareth missing
11:30@skynewsgathererChecks should have been made to find Gareth very shortly after he was expected at work, says GCHQ HR worker
11:49@skynewsgathererMet Police lawyer now questioning Ms Yelland
11:50@skynewsgathererAsking about call made by Ms Yelland to the police. Police summarise info in what's called a CAD report
11:52@skynewsgathererReport says that Gareth was last spoken to on 13th Aug and that his sister was due to stay with him
11:54@skynewsgathererCAD report says "He was recently pulled off a job and informant is concerned he has taken this badly"
11:55@skynewsgatherer"Who told you he had been pulled off job and had taken it badly?" asks lawyer
11:56@skynewsgathererMs Yelland replies that she could have interpreted Gareth's request to return to GCHQ as being taken off job. Though admits odd language
12:01@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams has been adjourned for lunch. Back at 2pm
END OF SESSION 7. Thursday Morning, April 26, 2012

Link to source of April 26 coverage
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