Police claim significant developments, coroner's inquest postponed

Kingston, Apr 20 (UNI) The Coroner's inquest into the death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has been postponed following revelations by Jamaica police that they possessed significant leads which were ''critical'' in cracking the high-profile murder case.

The inquest is to begin on Monday but has been postponed after request by police and no new date has been fixed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, who requested the postponement, said he was concerned that conducting an inquest at this stage could seriously hinder the progress of the criminal investigation and lead to suspect or suspects being alerted as to the progress of the investigation.

''It might also prejudice a jury trial and investigation is still at an early stage and is extremely complicated and holding an inquest now would be premature,'' Shields told Jamaica Gleaner.

According to Justice Ministry, the Coroner has agreed to the postponment so that these ''new developments'' may be pursued with the utmost urgency.

Shields also said only some of the toxicology reports were completed and officers were in Grenada collecting statements, fingerprints and DNA evidence from the Irish team who had also been staying in the Jamaica Pegasus hotel where Woolmer was found unconscious before being pronounced dead on March 18.

Police were also collecting similar evidence from guests who had now moved on to Barbados, he added.

The decision to postpone the inquest was taken following a high-level meeting 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.

The apparent reason to postpone the inquest was the security concerns due to the World Cup semi-final but Justice Ministry said it was following a Jamaica police request.

''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,'' a Justice Ministry statement said.

UNI