Showing posts with label struggle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label struggle. Show all posts

Session 9. Friday Morning, April 27, 2012

SESSION 9. Friday Morning, April 27, 2012
9:34@rachyoungerskyMorning. Covering inquest into death of MI6 officer Gareth Williams. Expecting demo of whether possible he locked himself inside bag
9:34@rachyoungerskyCoroner calls William MacKay who says nature of his work to investigate unusual occurrences in confined spaces
WITNESS: William MacKay
9:34@rachyoungerskyMacKay says v flexible young man who carried out reconstruction managed to get in to bag without help or instruction at first attempt
9:34@rachyoungerskyinquest shown film of how man did so - mackay explains how poss to lock bag first then manually make space to allow person to enter
9:34@rachyoungerskyMacKay then explains how found it to be impossible when attempted to lock bag after getting in
9:34@rachyoungerskyMacKay says unless individual manages to get into locked bag at very first attempt, pen used to manipulate zip would damage it
9:35@skynewsgathererFirst witness is William MacKay, who was asked by police to try and reconstruct getting into a bag
9:36@skynewsgathererMr MacKay, who has military background, also asked to investigate how well someone could breathe in closed bag
9:36@skynewsgathererInquest now watching DVD of someone in a bag like the one Gareth Williams was found in
9:36@skynewsgathererIt shows fingers pulling zip closed from the inside
9:36@skynewsgathererNext clip shows the bag locked from the outside before anyone gets in and then the zip forced open with a pen
9:36@skynewsgathererThe man then gets in and tries to close the zip behind him
9:36@skynewsgathererThe 3rd experiment was to try and lock the zip whilst inside the bag - it couldn't be done
9:36@skynewsgathererExperts says that if someone had got in after forcing the zip open - the zip was damaged when it was closed
9:39@skynewsgathererExpert says he tried experiments on the bag more than a 100 times
9:43@rachyoungerskyMacKay says only way to train for this would be with assistant or taking knife into bag with you. Coroner points out £700 bag to cut
9:44@skynewsgathererExpert essentially saying that to lock the bag from the inside the person would have needed 3 hands
9:46@skynewsgathererExperts found that due to lack of oxygen after a few mins they had to rest, the lock then dropped and they had to start it all again
9:47@rachyoungerskyMacKay showing court picture of lock and zip to show how 3 Actions needed: hold zip together, hold lock, lock bar but only 2 hands
9:50@skynewsgathererOne cord attached to the zipper was also in usual position - which the expert says would have made locking the bag even harder
9:50@rachyoungerskyMacKay says when they tried both he+assistant lost dexterity in fingers, had to rest momentarily, meant starting locking process anew
9:53@rachyoungerskyMacKay says Williams prowess as rock climber would mean tremendous power developed in his fingers which would have aided his ability
9:56@skynewsgathererInquest hears at times experts got reasonably close to locking bag - but thinks without a lot of training it couldn't be done
9:57@skynewsgatherer'There are people around that can do amazing things,' expert tells inquest
9:58@rachyoungerskyMacKay refuses to rule out possibility that Williams could have locked himself in to bag as found at scene using this scenario
10:00@skynewsgathererExpert has refused to rule out the possibility that Gareth Williams locked himself in the bag
10:05@skynewsgathererExpert says that if someone wanted to get out of the locked bag, 'with adrenaline running', they would find a way
10:06@skynewsgatherer'There would be an option of saving yourself,' says expert
10:06@rachyoungerskyMacKay showing video illustrating how possible once locked in to open zip small amount to greatly increase flow of oxygen
10:08@rachyoungerskyMacKay: We found it difficult to pull much further than this - I would offer if adrenalin kicked in you would find way to do it
10:11@skynewsgathererExpert says someone of Gareth Williams size would have had no problem getting into the bag
10:12@rachyoungerskyMacKay shows still of best position to be in bag to get out, points out on side ideal. "This was not the position he was found in"
10:16@skynewsgathererExpert says he has lost sleep trying to work out why the zip cord was in unusual position
10:22@rachyoungerskyinquest shown still of experts elbow area with red patches - if enough attempts made "should be red area on skin"
10:27@skynewsgathererExpert tested whether he could breathe in the bag by getting in it in a swimming pool
10:32@skynewsgathererMr MacKay now answering questions from family lawyer. Expert confirms he never managed to lock himself in bag unaided
10:34@rachyoungerskyunder questioning from family lawyer MacKay clarifies neither he nor assistant ever managed to lock themselves in to bag
10:38@skynewsgathererMr MacKay saying that if someone wanted to survive they could have opened bag from the inside
10:47@rachyoungerskyMacKay says if you were an escapologist you would pull it (the bag) open, grab the key and everyone would be amazed
10:55@tomskynewsThe footage of the tests to see if it was possible for a person to lock themselves into a holdall coming up shortly on @skynews
10:57@tomskynewsConclusion of first "bag expert" is that is was very very difficult for someone to lock themselves into holdall but couldn't rule it out
11:08@skynewsgathererSecond bag expert now giving evidence. It's Peter Faulding, who is similar size to Gareth Williams
11:09@rachyoungerskynext bag expert Peter Faulding (apt name!) now describing how he climbed into a similar bag
WITNESS: Peter Faulding
11:10@skynewsgathererMr Faulding, placed a bag similar to the one found a flat, in a bath and tried to get in it
11:11@skynewsgathererDVD shows Mr Faulding lying on his back, on the bag, and trying to manoeuvre himself in
11:12@skynewsgathererDVD shows Mr Faulding struggling to get in, he touches bath, tiles and rests feet on the taps in process
11:13@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says he wants to make it clear that it would dangerous to attempt to 'try this at home'
11:15@rachyoungerskyPeter Faulding, expert whose name you couldnt make up, shows DVD contorting himself into bag. Tells press to warn public not to try it
11:17@rachyoungerskyyou can see footage inquest has been watching on sky news now as coroner has released it to media
11:18@skynewsgathererExpert says that being in a bath made the bag harder to get into. Once in, temperature rose fast
11:21@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says he can't say it's impossible to lock the bag from the inside but 'even Houdini would struggle with this one'
11:23@skynewsgathererWhen pushed Mr Faulding says it would have been impossible for Gareth to get into the bag, in the bath, unaided without leaving any marks
11:26@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says that one person could have easily lifted the bag with Gareth's body into the bath without leaving marks
11:27@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says that it would have been very, very easy to put Gareth into the bag if he was unconscious or dead
11:29@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says that if the key had just dropped from the padlock it would be unlikely to have ended up where it did
11:32@skynewsgathererExperiment on oxygen levels in the bag showed that amount of oxygen decreased rapidly after 5 mins
11:33@skynewsgathererOxygen level dropped to just 17%
11:34@skynewsgathererMr Faulding thinks that Gareth could have survived a maximum of 30 mins in the bag
11:35@skynewsgathererMr Faulding says it would be impossible to get into bag in scenario Gareth found in
11:36@skynewsgathererExpert: 'Why would you climb into bag in the bath?.... I believe he was placed in the bag by a 3rd party'
11:38@skynewsgathererExpert tells Gareth Williams inquest that he believes Gareth was placed in bag by 3rd party
11:40@skynewsgathererInquest adjourned while officers prepare 999 call tape for the court. Back at 2pm
END OF SESSION 9. Friday Morning, 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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Session 3. Tuesday Morning, April 24, 2012

SESSION 3. Tuesday Morning, April 24, 2012
7:43@skynewsgathererBack to inquest of Gareth Williams this morning with @skymartinbrunt and @Stone_SkyNews. More on @SkyNews
8:03@skymartinbruntBack at MI6 spy in bag inquest. Expecting to hear from top cop. With @skynewsgatherer and #Stone_Sky News
8:41@skynewsgathererStart of inquest in to death of Gareth Williams running late. First witness today is expected to be DCI Jackie Sebire
8:53@stone_skynewsBack at the inquest into death of GCHQ code breaker Gareth Williams - will hear today from a close friend of his & top cop on investigation
8:55@skymartinbruntUnexplained delay so far
9:06@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams is about to get underway
9:08@skymartinbruntCoroner bans court artists from drawing in court or the media annexe
9:08@skynewsgathererCoroner has denied a request from court artists to be able to draw in court
9:10@skymartinbruntFamily of Gareth Williams and MI6 objected to court artists drawing in court
9:13@skymartinbruntCoroner says she has not seen the report based on MI6 internal investigation which it shared with police
9:14@skymartinbruntMI6 and GCHQ say they did no external investigation into Mr Williams death
9:15@skynewsgathererInquest adjourned after Gareth's mother becomes upset and leaves court. Coroner says all parties have a right to hear proceedings
9:16@skymartinbruntBBC about to challenge coroner's ban on court artists drawing in court. They are not allowed to do so in criminal cases
9:20@skymartinbruntCourt adjourned briefly says coroner to allow Mr Williams ' mother Ellen to "calm down." Mrs Williams appeared very distressed
9:20@stone_skynewsThe inquest into Gareth Williams death is naturally difficult for his family. His mother just left the room, visibly upset. Inquest paused
9:25@skymartinbruntFamily's lawyer attacks media for delaying hearing by arguing for court artists to draw in court. Mrs Williams not in court
9:27@skymartinbruntFamily's lawyer says family has nursed grief and kept away from media for 20 months and want to get on with hearing
9:28@skymartinbruntCoroner confirms no court artists working in courtroom because of family's severe distress and clear grief
9:30@skynewsgathererFirst witness of Gareth Williams inquest now giving evidence. It's DCI Jackie Sebire
WITNESS: Jackie Sebire
9:31@skymartinbruntDet Chief Insp Jackie Sebire explains how she and her murder team were called the night Mr Williams died
9:32@stone_skynewsInquest resumes: Gareth Williams mother left court because upset by delays while issues over media coverage / court artists are discussed
9:32@stone_skynewsA difficult balance at Gareth Williams inquest: strong desire for transparency but must be balanced w/ privacy & secrecy considerations
9:34@stone_skynewsMy colleagues @skynewsgatherer and @skymartinbrunt are tweeting at Gareth Williams inquest too. Worth a follow. More at www.skynews.com
9:35@skynewsgathererDCI describing how cordons were set up around the crime scene says SO15 were informed as they deal with all cases involving SIS
9:35@skymartinbruntSebire says counter terror cops alerted because they deal with all matters involving intelligence agencies
9:36@skynewsgathererDCI tells inquest her job was to task all specialist officers
9:37@skymartinbruntSebire says head of homicide also informed. Police knew it involved a spy but didn't immediately know his identity
9:38@skynewsgathererInquest hears that a DS Quinn had control of the crime scene - even though there were higher ranking counter terror officers there
9:43@skynewsgatherer'It was my scene and no one was allowed in there without my authorising it - or the crime scene manager' DCI tells inquest
9:45@skynewsgathererPolice log shows who entered the crime scene and whether they we wearing protective clothing
9:46@skynewsgathererTwo officers went into the block of flats without protective clothing - but they were only interviewing neighbours and didn't go in flat 4
9:48@skynewsgathererInquest now going through log for who entered crime scene on 24 August 2010
9:49@skynewsgathererDCI said that no one could go into crime scene until she got there. Even the crime scene manager
9:54@skymartinbruntSebire says she doesn't know why crime scene logs don't show if certain cops went into the building
9:59@skynewsgathererAll the people logged going in and out of the crime scene were known to DCI Sebire
10:02@skynewsgathererOne officer from SO15 (counter terrorism) went in to crime scene after getting permission on 23rd, inquest hears
10:03@skynewsgathererNo one from GCHQ or MI6 entered the crime scene according DCI Sebire
10:03@skymartinbruntSebire says no one went into flat without her permission
10:04@skynewsgathererDCI says a new front door, with new locks and an alarm, was put on the flat to protect it from anyone trying to get in
10:05@skymartinbruntPolice replaced front door and new alarm to stop Press or others trying to get in
10:05@stone_skynewsCourt artists have been banned from the Gareth Williams inquest. Coroner says it would be distracting to her & family. Open court tensions
10:06@stone_skynewsBanning artists in Gareth Williams inquest b/c they'd 'distract' is odd: they don't draw in court. They sit, they memorise then LEAVE & draw
10:06@skynewsgathererDCI tells inquest that whilst on holiday Gareth Williams had popped into London office and gone shopping in Knightsbridge
10:08@skymartinbruntMr Williams went shopping mover several days when returning from US work/hold trip 12 days before Death
10:09@skynewsgathererOn August 13th Gareth Williams went to drag show in Bethnal Green
10:10@skynewsgathererInquest being shown CCTV of Gareth Williams going into Harrods on August 15. He bought cakes
10:11@skynewsgathererPolice say he was 'alone, not being followed and relaxed'
10:13@skynewsgathererCCTV then captured Gareth Williams buying steaks in Waitrose
10:14@stone_skynewsCourt at Gareth Williams inquest now being shown CCTV of his last known movements. Shopping in Knightsbridge on 15/8/10
10:14@skymartinbrunta dozen brief CCTV cops show Mr Williams out shopping in Knightsbridge and awaking home 8 days before his death
10:15@skynewsgathererGareth Williams can be seen walking home at 1503 on August 15 after spending the day shopping. He's wearing beige trousers and red top
10:15@skymartinbruntSebire says no evidence he was being followed that day
10:16@stone_skynewsCourt hears that Gareth Williams visited a comedy & drag show - The Jonny Woo Experience - in Soho on 12/8/10 alone
10:17@skynewsgathererInquest now being shown a video of the crime scene
EVIDENCE: video of the scene
10:17@skymartinbruntCorrection, eight days before body discovered
10:18@skymartinbruntMr Williams due back to work the next day 26 Aug but alarm not raised till 23 aug when body found
10:18@skynewsgathererPictures start at the black front door with checkered black and white floor tiles. Officer stands guard at the front
10:19@skynewsgathererIt's a communal front door. Black squares can be seen on the floor which have been put down by SOCO to prevent contamination
10:19@skynewsgathererFront door to flat 4 is open with keys still in the door
10:19@skymartinbruntVideo of his flat now bing shown
10:21@skynewsgathererThere are no signs of forced entry to the flat. Stairs lead straight up from front door. First door leads to store room
10:22@skynewsgathererStore room contained Atom racing bike and cycling equipment
10:23@skynewsgathererAnother flight of stairs leads to the living room and the kitchen. The oven door was open. Flat is very sparse and tidy
10:24@skynewsgathererThere was just a kettle and toaster on counter. Food he bought from Waitrose was still in fridge
10:25@stone_skynewsWe're being shown police video now of the inside of Gareth Williams Pimlico flat as it was when body found. Flat is immaculately tidy
10:26@skymartinbruntBright orange wig seen hanging on back of chair in living room
10:27@skynewsgathererIn living room there's an orange wig, books, drawings, shoes. The red t shirt he was wearing in CCTV was on clothes maiden
10:28@skymartinbruntWashing hanging in living room
10:28@stone_skynewsIn living room of flat is the wig that's been reported about - interesting to see it finally: looks like a fancy-dress wig - shocking pink
10:29@skymartinbruntNewspaper cutting "Top 5 Regrets of the Dying"
10:29@skynewsgathererThere was also a newspaper article by a nurse called 'Top 5 regrets of the dying'
10:29@stone_skynewsIn living room of flat is the wig that's been reported about - interesting to see it finally: looks like a fancy-dress wig - shocking orange
10:32@skymartinbruntArticle says regrets include "I wish I had courage to live a life true to myself"
10:32@skynewsgathererThere was also a note saying that someone had called at flat at 1930 on August 16th but no one had answered
10:33@skymartinbruntAnother regret listed in article: "I wish I had courage to express my feelings"
10:33@skynewsgathererOn the sofa there was a lipstick and Mac foundation. A receipt showed the foundation was bought at Harvey Nichols
10:35@skynewsgathererVideo shows very clean tidy bathroom. No shampoo bottles etc
10:36@skynewsgathererIn Gareth Williams flat there was also a laptop and phone which were examined by police
10:37@skymartinbruntIn spare bedroom were two big North Fce sports hold ally's like the one in which his body was dound
10:37@skynewsgathererIn back bedroom there were two stacked North Face yellow hold alls. Clothes and bedding neatly folded on the bed
10:38@stone_skynewsIn back bedroom are two of the North Face holdalls similar to the one Gareth Williams body was found in in bathroom
10:38@skynewsgathererIn main bedroom there was a crumpled bathrobe on the floor. The duvet was also on the floor yet very neat folded clothes on bed
10:39@stone_skynewsIn main bedroom, bed clothes are strewn on the floor with bathrobe, but clothes neatly on bed. Coroner remarks that it looks incongruous
10:39@skynewsgathererDCI admits that the duvet on the floor and neat clothes on the bed look odd
10:40@skynewsgathererThere was also a crumpled white shirt on the floor near the wardrobe. It looks like it's fallen out - still on hanger
10:40@skymartinbruntIn his bedroom are folded clothes on bed but bathrobe and duvet cover on floor
10:40@skynewsgathererVideo now showing en suite bathroom with red North Face hold all in the bath
10:42@skynewsgathererShower screen is in place. The bag was where officers had found it. The bag is zipped shut and locked with small padlock
10:42@skymartinbruntVideo shows padlocked bag in bath where Mr Williams body was found
10:44@skynewsgathererA 15mm cut has been made in the bag - made by police officers. A 15mm Yale padlock had been used to lock bag
10:45@skynewsgathererInquest hears how the lock would have had to have been twisted to get through two eyelets of zip and closed
10:46@skymartinbruntGraffix shows how two zip eyelets have to be drawn together before padlock bar slipped thru both and then turned and pushed locked
10:46@stone_skynewsInquest now shown video footage of the red North Face holdall in bath with Gareth Williams body inside. Holdall is locked from outside
10:46@skynewsgathererPadlocks were the same as other padlocks found in the flat. They were made in 2008 and sold in packs of four
10:46@stone_skynewsThe holdall looks like one I've attached. It is locked with Yale padlock from outside - zip eyelets linked and locked. p.twimg.com
10:47@skymartinbruntSebire says it would be very difficult to do that locking movement
10:49@skynewsgathererIt looks like socks paired up and folded on the bed - strange scene given duvet cover was crumpled on floor
10:50@skynewsgathererVideo exiting the flat shows a pan on the stairs
10:51@skynewsgathererThe door of the flat was taken away for examination - no evidence that the locks had been tampered with
10:51@skymartinbruntSebire says difficult to explain why clothes neatly folded but duvet and bathrobe crumpled on bedroom floor
10:51@skynewsgathererInquest adjourning for 15 minute break
11:08@skynewsgathererIncredible amount of security at Gareth Williams inquest. Just been stopped and questioned going to the loo
11:16@skymartinbruntSebire says no evidence of forced entry into flat
11:17@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams resumes
11:20@skymartinbruntSpot of old blood from Mr Williams on flat carpet
11:20@skynewsgathererInquest being shown 3d graphics of lay out of flat. Spot of blood from Gareth found on floor outside kitchen
11:21@skynewsgathererThe cream cakes in Harrods box bought by Gareth on August 15 were found in the kitchen
11:22@skymartinbrunt2 footprints that couldn't be identified on kitchen floor
11:22@skynewsgathererThe kitchen was very clean. No prints found on the grill pan. Tea towel still being analysed, says DCI
11:25@skynewsgathererTrousers and a pair of Gareth's underpants found in the living room. 26 pairs shoes, only 4 used, were found in bedroom. Size 6
11:26@skynewsgathererClothing found in back bedroom was 'immaculate' and still in tissue paper says DCI
11:26@skymartinbruntSports bags had 26 pairs of women's shoes in mr Williams size 6 size
11:28@skymartinbruntLots of high value female clothes and Stella McCartney shoes found in holdalls
11:28@skymartinbruntCops Ali found pairs of high heel black patent boots
11:28@stone_skynewsThe Gareth Williams inquest now being told about £20,000 worth of women's clothing found in his flat. 26 pairs of new shoes. Size 6-6.5
11:28@stone_skynewsCoroner asks is size of women's shoes found in flat is same/similar to Gareth Williams shoe size. Witness (Met officer) says yes
11:29@skynewsgathererUnused nail varnish, wigs, make up and shoes by Stella McCartney, Chloe, Dior and Louboutin all found in boxes in back bedroom
11:30@skynewsgathererAll shoes were Williams' size and clothes looked like they would have fitted him says DCI
11:31@skynewsgathererClothes found would have cost 20k. One pair of shoes cost 1000 pounds
11:31@skymartinbruntClothes worth £20,000. Several wigs. Clothes all small or medium. He bought one wig on recent US trip
11:31@skynewsgathererThe orange wig found in living room was bought by Gareth Williams when he visited America
11:31@stone_skynews"Extensive high value collection [of clothes] in my opinion." says witness DCI Jackie Sebire. 1 pair of shoes was £1000. Mostly unworn
11:32@skynewsgathererSmall blood spot and semen found on bathrobe belonging to Gareth Williams
11:34@skynewsgathererSmall locked cash box found in bedside cabinet. It contained receipts and the keys to padlocks found on hold alls, which contained clothes
11:34@skymartinbruntReceipts showed he had been buying women's clothes for two years
11:35@skynewsgathererReceipts showed Gareth Williams had been buying women's clothes since 2008
11:37@skynewsgathererSemen from Gareth Williams found in the en suite bathroom but no other DNA. There are no finger prints on lower tiles above bath
11:39@skynewsgathererDCI Sebire says she would have expected to find Gareth's prints on lower tiles if he had lent on them to balance getting into bag
11:39@skymartinbruntSebire thought from early on that someone else was involved in his death
11:40@skynewsgathererGareth Williams was found naked in the bag. His legs were folded up to his chest
11:40@skynewsgatherer'His face was very calm. His hands were laying on his chest' says DCI
11:41@stone_skynewsInquest now shown computer generated graphic showing position of Gareth Williams inside NorthFace bag. Foetal position. No struggle sign
11:41@skynewsgathererThere were no injuries to nails or fingers as if he had been trying to get out. There were no signs of stress on the bag
11:42@skynewsgathererInquest shown laser scan imagine of how Gareth Williams was found in the bag
11:43@skymartinbruntSebire believes he did not try to get out of the bag
11:43@skynewsgathererInquest hears how Gareth Williams was a very fit man, the flat would have been very hot in August 2010
11:43@stone_skynewsNo sign of struggle to get out of bag. No marks inside bag suggesting attempt to escape. No signs of distress on Gareth Williams body
11:45@skymartinbruntTwo keys that cld have opened bag were lying under his buttock
11:45@stone_skynewsDCI Jackie Sebire was the senior officer at Gareth Williams scene. She is talking through the investigation & her observations / opinions
11:46@skynewsgathererExample of the bag shown to the inquest. Actual bag used was a base camp duffle XL and made up to 2006
11:47@skymartinbruntSebire says it would have been very hot and incredibly uncomfortable inside the bag
11:48@skynewsgathererPolice say they have tested the bag and it would be very difficult to 'manipulate' the bag from the inside
11:48@stone_skynewsThe coroner is now being shown bag identical to the 1 Gareth Williams was found inside. She observes its sturdiness. p.twimg.com
11:50@skymartinbruntCoroner examines replica bag and has trouble lining up zips to lock it from outside
11:51@skynewsgathererWeak blood stains from Gareth Williams were found on handles of the bag
11:52@skymartinbruntWeak blood stains from mr Wiliams on bag handles
11:54@skymartinbruntSmall components of another persons DNA found on bag
11:56@skynewsgathererSmall components of another person's DNA found on bag - inquest will hear more later from DNA experts
11:56@stone_skynewsPolice witness reveals that "small components of another contributors DNA found on padlock of bag" containing Gareth Williams body
11:57@skynewsgathererGareth was described as a very private man - his two best friends had not even visited his home, says police
12:00@skynewsgathererLast time Gareth Williams was known to be alive was at 1am on August 16. He had been looking at website about cycling
12:02@skynewsgathererDCI clears up speculation an Italian family had access to flat - says it was a mistake and they had gone to wrong door
12:03@skynewsgathererInquest into death of Gareth Williams breaks for lunch. Back at 1400
12:03@stone_skynewsThe last time Police say they know Gareth Williams was alive was 1am on 16/8/10 when he checked a cycling website. He was found dead on 23/8/10
END OF SESSION 3. Tuesday Morning, April 24, 2012

Link to source of April 24 coverage
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