'Missing woman' inquest ruled out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AN INQUEST into the fate of a missing woman whose husband was cleared of her murder - despite an alleged 'confession' to an undercover policewoman - has been ruled out by the Home Secretary, Michael Howard, it emerged yesterday.
Patricia Hall vanished without trace from the family home in Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, in January 1992. A secretly taped alleged 'admission' by her husband, Keith, 39, that he strangled and dumped her body in an incinerator, was ruled inadmissible at Leeds Crown Court at his trial in March.
After studying police evidence at the end of the trial the Leeds coroner, David Hinchliff, applied to Mr Howard to hold an inquest even though Mrs Hall's body has never been found.
Mr Hinchliff said yesterday that he had been notified that after a lot of consideration, Mr Howard was not persuaded that an inquest would serve any useful purpose.
During Mr Hall's trial the prosecution claimed that he killed his wife because she wanted to divorce him and he feared losing his home, business and their two sons.
Mrs Hall's sister, Christine Weatherhead, said she was disappointed at the decision. 'It was a last chance to finally get some answers because the trial was a farce,' she said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments