Lord Hutton's closing statement
Lord Hutton’s closing statement today reads in full:
“The evidence which has been heard this morning concludes the first stage of the inquiry which was designed to obtain a full and detailed account of the relevant facts affecting Dr Kelly prior to and leading up to his death and the actions which were taken to investigate his death after his body was discovered.
“As I said in my opening statement I now propose to adjourn the sittings of the inquiry to enable me to consider what parts of the evidence already given and what issues arising from it should be made subject to more detailed and rigorous scrutiny.
“I will also give consideration to what witnesses I should recall to assist me in the second stage of the inquiry and I will consider whether there are any additional witnesses who I have not yet heard who I should call.
“I propose that the second stage of the inquiry will begin on Monday September 15.
“In the course of the next week, Mr Martin Smith, the solicitor to the inquiry will notify the witnesses who I wish to recall and any persons who I wish to call who have not previously given evidence.
“I wish to make clear three points.
“1. The fact that I recall a witness to give further evidence in the second stage of the inquiry does not necessarily mean that I regard that person as a possible object of criticism.
“I may recall simply to clarify some matters and not because I think he or she may be liable to criticism in my report.
“2. The fact that I do not recall a witness does not necessarily mean that he or she may not be subject to criticism in my report.
“It is possible that they might not be recalled because I have notified that person privately in writing that I may criticise him or her in my report in a particular way and they have informed me that they do not wish to dispute my criticism and have the opportunity to give further evidence.
“3. If a witness is privately notified by me that he or she might be subjected to criticism in my report, this will be a provisional view which I may alter or revise in the light of further evidence or consideration.
“Therefore, when it becomes known whom I intend to call in the second stage of the inquiry, speculation as to whether certain persons may or not be subject to criticism may well be ill-founded.
“Before the second stage of the inquiry begins, the list will be made public and at the commencement of the second stage Mr Dingemans will outline the course that that stage will follow.
“I adjourn the hearing until 10.30am on Monday September 15.”
