I note you seek access to the following information:
I have a freedom of information request relating to the identification of Gareth Williams who was found in a Sports bag in a bath in London SW1 in August 2010.
My question can be answered by email. It is this:
It has been variously reported that
a) the body was identified by the parents of Gareth when they came back from a holiday in Canada.
b) the body was identified by a photo of Gareth supplied by the family.
I would like to know
-- on what date the body was formally identified
-- where the body was when formally identified
-- how the formal identification was made
-- who made the formal identification, whether by photographic comparison or visual sight.
DECISION
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
The subject of identification of Mr Williams was dealt with by HM Coroner Fiona Wilcox from Inner West London Coroners Office during the inquest into Mr Williams death between the 23rd April 2012 and 2nd May 2012.
Identification of Mr Williams was made on 25th August 2010 by a coroners officer comparing a recent photograph which had been supplied by the family of the deceased.
Kindly note that further requests for information on this subject may attract the following exemptions:
Section 21 - Information reasonably accessible by other means
Section 30 - Investigations
The inquest of Mr Williams was a public one and as such the coroner's transcript is a matter of public record. The media were present at the inquest and details of matters pertaining to Mr Williams' death have been widely reported in the press.
Specialist Crime & Operations
