Sky News [blog] : A Failing Investigation

A Failing Investigation

Martin Brunt | February 15, 2011

So we'll probably never know the how, why or who in the bizarre death of codebreaker spook Gareth Williams.

Police have admitted they haven't found the mystery couple who visited him and are still awaiting the results of forensic/toxicology tests six months after he was found suffocated and naked inside a locked sports bag in the bath of his flat.

The inquest into his death has been postponed again while police continue to try to unravel his complicated life.

Up to forty of his spook colleagues from MI6 and GCHQ may give evidence at the inquest, but will be granted anonimity.

And those potential witnesses aren't even being interviewed by the investigation team.

They, unusually, are being quizzed by counter-terror detectives, who then pass the information to homicide police.

They can hardly be surprised then by the many conspiracy theories that abound.

Readers, feel free to add your own.

You might help the cops.

Mirror : Spy inquest: Up to 40 spies could give evidence into death of Gareth Williams

Spy inquest: Up to 40 spies could give evidence into death of Gareth Williams

February 15, 2011

Up to 40 spies could give evidence anonymously at the inquest into the mysterious death of MI6 agent Gareth Williams, a coroner was told today.

Paul Knapman adjourned an inquiry into the 31-year-old's death as Scotland Yard detectives wait for the results of a fresh round of forensic tests.

Counter-terrorism officers have interviewed "in the region of 40" of the expert codebreaker's colleagues at MI6 and GCHQ, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

They have been passing on their findings to a team of investigators from the force's Homicide and Serious Crime Command who are responsible for the inquiry.

The inquest heard that some or all of them could give evidence about Mr Williams, whose naked and decomposing body was found in a bag in the bath of his Pimlico flat last August.

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire admitted the likelihood of tracing a Mediterranean couple seen at Mr Williams's home weeks before his death is diminishing.

She said it is "very unusual" for two teams of officers to be working on a suspicious death inquiry, but said the victim's secretive occupation was the reason.

Speaking about forensic tests, she added: "We have done a phased submission of tests to the laboratory. We are still waiting for some outstanding tests that went out before Christmas."

After a 10-minute hearing, Dr Knapman adjourned the inquest until Thursday March 31, but said it is not known whether it will go ahead then.

Dr Knapman said he had read a report summarising the forensic tests written by a police expert but added "it is a matter of some regret" that the inquest cannot go ahead.

He said the Mediterranean couple have not come forward, there are no new clues and it appears to be "less and less likely that something will happen".

The coroner added: "The fact you must face is that in six months or so they have not come forward, this couple, have they?"

Mrs Sebire replied: "That is correct, sir."

The senior detective added that a "raft" of forensic tests have taken place and she is still waiting for the results of some submitted six months ago and more recently.

Mrs Sebire said her team is dealing with the dead man's private life, forensic tests and other inquiries while counter-terrorism officers are responsible for liaising with spy agencies.

She said she has regular meetings with her counterpart, passes instructions to him on who should be interviewed and could arrange to see a potential witness if necessary.

Dr Knapman said Mr Williams' family expect a "thorough inquest" and was told they have "no problem whatsoever" with his colleagues being granted anonymity.

The pre-inquest hearing was told they were invited to attend today but did not come. They have appointed a solicitor to represent them.

Forbes : Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

Associated Press | February 15, 2011

LONDON -- A coroner says it is increasingly unlikely police will track down a couple they want to interview about the death of a British codebreaker whose decomposing body was found inside a padlocked sports bag.

Paul Knapman is overseeing an inquest into the death of Gareth Williams, who was found in the bathtub of his London home in August.

Police have made no arrests and are not certain how the 31-year-old agent died.

Knapman said Tuesday that some 40 of Williams' fellow spies had been interviewed by police and could give evidence. He adjourned the inquest until March 31, while police await the results of forensic tests.

And he said it was "less and less likely" that a man and woman seen at Williams' home weeks before his death would come forward.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

AP : Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

AP | February 15, 2011

LONDON (AP) — A coroner said Tuesday it is increasingly unlikely that police will be able to track down a couple they want to interview about the death of a British codebreaker whose naked and decomposing body was found inside a padlocked sports bag.

Paul Knapman is overseeing an inquest into the death of Gareth Williams, who was discovered in the bathtub of his London home on Aug. 23. Police have made no arrests and are not certain how the 31-year-old employee of code-breaking agency GCHQ died.

At an inquest hearing Tuesday, Knapman said it was "less and less likely" that a man and woman seen at Williams' home weeks before his death would be found.

The couple, described as in Mediterranean appearance and aged between 20 and 30, were seen at the door of Williams' apartment block in June or July, and indicated to a witness that they had a key.

Knapman said police had to face the fact that "in six months or so they have not come forward" and no new clues have emerged.

Williams' death has spawned fevered speculation and conspiracy theories, as police have tried to determine whether it was linked to his work or to his personal life.

Detectives have said inquiries showed Williams had viewed bondage-related websites, and have suggested he may have died in a sex game gone wrong.

Security officials have downplayed suggestions that Williams' death was connected to his work. He was working on attachment to the foreign spy service, MI6, when he died.

Toxicology tests found no traces of drugs or poisons that may have led to his death. Experts consulted by police said Williams could not have locked himself inside the bag — which was fastened with a padlock — and could have survived for only 30 minutes inside before suffocating.

In Britain, inquests must be held any time someone dies unexpectedly, violently or from unknown causes. The goal is to determine the cause rather than to affix blame.

Knapman said about 40 of Williams' fellow spies had been interviewed by police and could be called to give evidence anonymously at the inquest.

He adjourned the hearings until March 31, so police can get results from more forensic tests.

Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Journal [Ireland] : Couple sought over MI6 officer’s death may never be found, say police

Couple sought over MI6 officer’s death may never be found, say police

February 15, 2011

THE INQUEST THE DEATH of a MI6 officer Gareth Williams has heard that two people wanted in connection with the death have not come forward and are not likely to be traced, the BBC reports.

The body of Williams, 31, of Anglesey, North Wales, was found locked inside a large sports bag inside the bath of his London apartment in August 2010.

He lived in Pimlico, London, just yards from MI6 headquarters. A post-mortem failed to establish the cause of death.

Investigators had said there was no indication his death was due more to his private life than his professional one, though both have been considered and some 40 intelligence employees have been interviewed.

Williams’ work involved him travelling to the US a few times a year to visit the National Security Agency. His family described him as a mathematical genius and a very private person.

Today, the inquest was adjourned until the end of March, but the detective leading the investigation into Williams’ death acknowledged that it was becoming less and less likely that the wanted couple would be traced, according to the Telegraph.

The man and woman were seen at his London home before his death and are described as being a “Mediterranean” couple in their 20s.

KGAN [Cedar Rapids, Iowa] : Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

February 15, 2011

LONDON (AP) -- A coroner says it is increasingly unlikely police will track down a couple they want to interview about the death of a British codebreaker whose decomposing body was found inside a padlocked sports bag.

Paul Knapman is overseeing an inquest into the death of Gareth Williams, who was found in the bathtub of his London home in August.

Police have made no arrests and are not certain how the 31-year-old agent died.

Knapman said Tuesday that some 40 of Williams' fellow spies had been interviewed by police and could give evidence. He adjourned the inquest until March 31, while police await the results of forensic tests.

And he said it was "less and less likely" that a man and woman seen at Williams' home weeks before his death would come forward.

Telegraph : MI6 spy Gareth Williams: 40 spies could give evidence at inquest into death

MI6 spy Gareth Williams: 40 spies could give evidence at inquest into death

Up to 40 spies could give evidence anonymously at the inquest into the mysterious death of Gareth Williams, the MI6 agent found dead in the bath, a coroner has been told.

February 15, 2011

Paul Knapman adjourned an inquiry into the 31-year-old's death as Scotland Yard detectives wait for the results of a fresh round of forensic tests.

Counter-terrorism officers have interviewed ''in the region of 40'' of the expert codebreaker's colleagues at MI6 and GCHQ, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

They have been passing on their findings to a team of investigators from the force's Homicide and Serious Crime Command who are responsible for the inquiry.

The inquest heard that some or all of them could give evidence about Mr Williams, whose naked and decomposing body was found in a bag in the bath of his Pimlico flat last August.

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire admitted the likelihood of tracing a Mediterranean couple seen at Mr Williams's home weeks before his death is diminishing.

She said it is ''very unusual'' for two teams of officers to be working on a suspicious death inquiry, but said the victim's secretive occupation was the reason.

Speaking about forensic tests, she added: ''We have done a phased submission of tests to the laboratory. We are still waiting for some outstanding tests that went out before Christmas.''

After a 10-minute hearing, Dr Knapman adjourned the inquest until Thursday March 31, but said it is not known whether it will go ahead then.

Dr Knapman said he had read a report summarising the forensic tests written by a police expert but added "it is a matter of some regret" that the inquest cannot go ahead.

He said the Mediterranean couple have not come forward, there are no new clues and it appears to be "less and less likely that something will happen".

The coroner added: "The fact you must face is that in six months or so they have not come forward, this couple, have they?"

Mrs Sebire replied: "That is correct, sir."

The senior detective added that a "raft" of forensic tests have taken place and she is still waiting for the results of some submitted six months ago and more recently.

Mrs Sebire said her team is dealing with the dead man's private life, forensic tests and other inquiries while counter-terrorism officers are responsible for liaising with spy agencies.

She said she has regular meetings with her counterpart, passes instructions to him on who should be interviewed and could arrange to see a potential witness if necessary.

Dr Knapman said Mr Williams' family expect a "thorough inquest" and was told they have "no problem whatsoever" with his colleagues being granted anonymity.

The pre-inquest hearing was told they were invited to attend today but did not come. They have appointed a solicitor to represent them.

Mr Williams, of Anglesey, North Wales, was found in a large North Face holdall, sealed by a padlock, at his top-floor flat in Alderney Street on August 23.

The mysterious discovery sparked a painstaking Scotland Yard investigation, worldwide media frenzy, and several outlandish conspiracy theories.

A battery of post-mortem tests have so far failed to determine how he died and police found it would have been impossible for him to have locked himself inside.

No evidence of drugs, alcohol or poisons have been found but police said anyone zipped inside the bag would have quickly found the temperature unbearable and suffocated within 30 minutes.

Investigators believe the fitness and fashion enthusiast probably died accidentally at the hands of a mystery bondage sex partner he may have met on London's gay scene.

They found he enjoyed going to drag cabaret shows, had £15,000-worth of unworn women's designer clothing in a wardrobe, and had visited bondage websites.

Police have released e-fit images of a young, casually-dressed Mediterranean couple who a neighbour buzzed through the communal doors of Mr Williams's block in June or July.

Mr Williams was a mathematics prodigy who worked as a cipher and codes expert for GCHQ, the Government listening station, but had been on secondment to MI6.

Telegraph : MI6 spy Gareth Williams: investigation making no progress, inquest hears

MI6 spy Gareth Williams: investigation making no progress, inquest hears

The investigation into the death of the MI6 agent Gareth Williams has made little progress and a breakthrough looks unlikely, a coroner said today.

By Martin Evans | February 15, 2011

Detectives hunting a Mediterranean couple in connection with the mysterious death admitted they had still not come forward and no fresh clues to their identity had been unearthed.

An inquest into the death of Mr Williams, whose naked body was found, padlocked inside a large holdall in his London flat last August, was postponed while further forensic tests are conducted.

But expressing his regret at having to adjourning the hearing, Westminster Coroner Dr Paul Knapman, said it was unlikely any key witnesses would now be found.

Addressing Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police murder squad, Dr Knapman said: “What is the position regarding potential witnesses, last time you wanted to know whether there had been anybody seen in the flat at that time, are there any further leads?”

DCI Sebire replied: “"Not at the present time in relation to witnesses, and we still are seeking to trace the Mediterranean couple."

Dr Knapman replied: "It is getting less and less likely that anything is going to happen there, the fact must be faced that for six months or so you haven't come up with that couple."

DCI Sebire replied: "That is correct sir."

Mr Williams, 31, of Anglesey, North Wales, was found locked inside a large North Face holdall in the bath at his top-floor flat in Alderney Street in Pimlico, central London on August 23.

The mysterious discovery sparked a painstaking Scotland Yard investigation, worldwide media frenzy, and several outlandish conspiracy theories.

A battery of post-mortem tests have so far failed to determine how he died and police found it would have been impossible for him to have locked himself inside.

No evidence of drugs, alcohol or poisons have been found but police said anyone zipped inside the bag would have quickly found the temperature unbearable and suffocated within 30 minutes.

Investigators believe the fitness and fashion enthusiast probably died accidentally at the hands of a mystery bondage sex partner he may have met on London's gay scene.

They found he enjoyed going to drag cabaret shows, had £15,000-worth of unworn women's designer clothing in a wardrobe, and had visited bondage websites.

Today's short hearing also heard that up to 40 spies could be granted anonymity if they are required to give evidence at the full inquest.

Counter terrorism officers have already spoken to a number of colleagues of Mr Williams at MI6 and the GCHQ listening station in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

DCI Sebire said her team was dealing with inquiries surrounding Mr Williams’ private life, while counter-terrorism officers were responsible for dealing with the intelligence agencies.

Explaining how the two teams would then liaise, she said: "It is unusual but it is a very unusual case given his occupation."

Dr Knapman said: "When the time comes I anticipate that those people who may have to attend this inquest who are part of the intelligence services may wish for anonymity."

DCI Sebire confirmed that the Met Police would not opposed anonymity at this stage in proceedings.

Coroner’s officer Barry May confirmed that the Mr Williams family had been informed of today's proceedings but did not wish to attend.

When asked if they opposed anonymity he said: "They have no problem with it whatsoever."

The family will be appointing lawyers for the full inquest, which was today adjourned until March 31, but may be delayed further.

Independent : 40 spies set for MI6 man's inquest

40 spies set for MI6 man's inquest

PA | February 15, 2011

Up to 40 spies could give evidence anonymously at the inquest into the mysterious death of MI6 agent Gareth Williams, a coroner was told today.

Paul Knapman adjourned an inquiry into the 31-year-old's death as Scotland Yard detectives wait for the results of a fresh round of forensic tests.

Counter-terrorism officers have interviewed "in the region of 40" of the expert codebreaker's colleagues at MI6 and GCHQ, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

They have been passing on their findings to a team of investigators from the force's Homicide and Serious Crime Command who are responsible for the inquiry.

The inquest heard that some or all of them could give evidence about Mr Williams, whose naked and decomposing body was found in a bag in the bath of his Pimlico flat last August.

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire admitted the likelihood of tracing a Mediterranean couple seen at Mr Williams's home weeks before his death is diminishing.

She said it is "very unusual" for two teams of officers to be working on a suspicious death inquiry, but said the victim's secretive occupation was the reason.

Speaking about forensic tests, she added: "We have done a phased submission of tests to the laboratory. We are still waiting for some outstanding tests that went out before Christmas."

After a 10-minute hearing, Dr Knapman adjourned the inquest until Thursday March 31, but said it is not known whether it will go ahead then.

UKPA : 40 spies set for MI6 man's inquest

40 spies set for MI6 man's inquest

February 15, 2011

Up to 40 spies could give evidence anonymously at the inquest into the mysterious death of MI6 agent Gareth Williams in central London, a coroner has been told.

Paul Knapman adjourned an inquiry into the 31-year-old's death as Scotland Yard detectives wait for the results of a fresh round of forensic tests.

Counter-terrorism officers have interviewed "in the region of 40" of the expert codebreaker's colleagues at MI6 and GCHQ, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

The inquest heard that some or all of them could give evidence about Mr Williams, whose naked and decomposing body was found in a bag in the bath of his Pimlico flat last August.

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire admitted the likelihood of tracing a Mediterranean couple seen at Mr Williams's home weeks before his death is diminishing.

Speaking about forensic tests, she said: "We have done a phased submission of tests to the laboratory. We are still waiting for some outstanding tests that went out before Christmas."

After a 10-minute hearing, Dr Knapman adjourned the inquest until Thursday March 31, but said it is not known whether it will go ahead then.

Dr Knapman said he had read a report summarising the forensic tests written by a police expert but added "it is a matter of some regret" that the inquest cannot go ahead. He said the Mediterranean couple have not come forward, there are no new clues and it appears to be "less and less likely that something will happen".

Mr Williams, of Anglesey, North Wales, was found in a large North Face holdall, sealed by a padlock, at his top-floor flat in Alderney Street on August 23.

The mysterious discovery sparked a painstaking Scotland Yard investigation, worldwide media frenzy, and several outlandish conspiracy theories. A battery of post-mortem tests have so far failed to determine how he died and police found it would have been impossible for him to have locked himself inside.

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

Sky News : Spy Death Cops Fail To Find Elusive Couple

Spy Death Cops Fail To Find Elusive Couple

Gary Mitchell, Sky News Online | February 15, 2011

Detectives investigating the mysterious death of a spy found dead in a padlocked holdall have admitted they are no closer to tracing a couple seen at his home.

Gareth Williams' body was found in a padlocked holdall at his home last August

The pair, described as Mediterranean in appearance, were seen at Gareth Williams' central London flat weeks before he died.

Police are continuing to treat the case as suspicious and it remains unclear how he died.

An inquest into the 31-year-old codebreaker’s death has been adjourned until March 31 as Scotland Yard awaits the results of a fresh round of forensic tests.

As many as 40 of Mr Williams' spy colleagues could be called to give evidence anonymously as part of the inquiry, it emerged at Westminster Coroner's Court.

They have been interviewed by counter-terrorism detectives, who have been passing the information to homicide police.

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire said the likelihood of finding the Mediterranean couple was diminishing.

The gifted mathematician's naked and decomposing body was found in a bag in the bath of his Pimlico flat last August.

He started work at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, before moving to London for a secondment at MI6.

Manchester Wired : MI6 officer Gareth Williams death: couple 'untraceable'

MI6 officer Gareth Williams death: couple 'untraceable'

February 15, 2011

A couple sought in connection with the death of an MI6 officer may never be traced, police have conceded.

Gareth Williams, 31, from Holyhead on Anglesey, north Wales, was found dead in a padlocked holdall in his central London flat in August.

The death remains suspicious and unexplained with no cause found.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard it was unlikely that a Mediterranean couple seen at his flats before he died would be traced.

Det Ch Insp Jackie Sebire also disclosed that more forensic tests were being carried out.

Some 40 officers working for the intelligence services have been now interviewed by detectives investigating the death.

They have been questioned by Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command - even though the inquiry is being led by a separate team specialising in homicide.

The inquest was adjourned until 31 March.

Mr Williams, a gifted mathematician, graduated with a first class degree in maths at just 17.

He began work at the Government Communications Headquarters in Cheltenham before being seconded to MI6.

BBC : MI6 officer Gareth Williams death: couple 'untraceable'

BBC main: MI6 officer Gareth Williams death: couple 'untraceable'
BBC mobile: MI6 officer Gareth Williams death: couple 'untraceable'

February 15, 2011

A couple sought in connection with the death of an MI6 officer may never be traced, police have conceded.

Gareth Williams, 31, from Holyhead on Anglesey, north Wales, was found dead in a padlocked holdall in his central London flat in August.

The death remains suspicious and unexplained with no cause found.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard it was unlikely that a Mediterranean couple seen at his flats before he died would be traced.

Det Ch Insp Jackie Sebire also disclosed that more forensic tests were being carried out.

Some 40 officers working for the intelligence services have been now interviewed by detectives investigating the death.

They have been questioned by Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command - even though the inquiry is being led by a separate team specialising in homicide.

The inquest was adjourned until 31 March.

Mr Williams, a gifted mathematician, graduated with a first class degree in maths at just 17.

He began work at the Government Communications Headquarters in Cheltenham before being seconded to MI6.

Washington Post : Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

Coroner adjourns inquest into death of British spy

The Associated Press | February 15, 2011

LONDON -- A coroner says it is increasingly unlikely police will track down a couple they want to interview about the death of a British codebreaker whose decomposing body was found inside a padlocked sports bag.

Paul Knapman is overseeing an inquest into the death of Gareth Williams, who was found in the bathtub of his London home in August.

Police have made no arrests and are not certain how the 31-year-old agent died.

Knapman said Tuesday that some 40 of Williams' fellow spies had been interviewed by police and could give evidence. He adjourned the inquest until March 31, while police await the results of forensic tests.

And he said it was "less and less likely" that a man and woman seen at Williams' home weeks before his death would come forward.