Charge over MI6 spy death a 'real possibility'

An inquest has heard how there is still a "real possibility" that criminal charges could be made in connection with the death of MI6 spy, Gareth Williams.

It came as lawyers for Scotland Yard tried to prevent the coroner, Fiona Wilcox, allowing media organisations to publish certain material from the inquest.

The how and why behind the death of the Anglesey-born 31-year-old, whose decaying body was found locked in a holdall in his London flat in 2010, has remained a riddle for the past 21 months.

In the inquest so far there has been a number of measures put in place to ensure that there is no risk to national security and internal relations.

So far four intelligence agents have received "public interest" anonymity and so will be giving evidence behind a screen.

Also as reported by the Crime Correspondent Jon Clements, the coroner has agreed to exclude elements of Mr Williams's work for MI6. The ten-page document has been read and signed by the Foreign Secretary William Hague, who says the information has "a high level of classification...[and therefore] revealing this material in open court would cause a real risk of serious harm to the public interest."

A debate amongst lawyers over what material should and shouldn't be released to the media has also taken place during the morning.

The hearing has been told that Scotland Yard objects to the release of certain material to the media because it could prejudice future criminal proceedings.

Barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who is representing three broadcasters and five national newspapers, applied to the coroner for the photographs, video and documents, referred to in open court, to be supplied to the media.

But speaking at the inquest, lawyer Vincent Williams said charges were still a "real possibility" and warned a "careful line must be struck between open justice" at the inquest and a criminal investigation.

When asked why materials should not go into the public domain, the lawyer added: "It is because there is a live complex ongoing investigation taking place."

Evidence began with Dr Wilcox expressing sympathy to family members, who fear "some agency specialising in the dark arts" leaves them with no way of knowing how and why he died.