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False News of Blood Samples Delays Diana Inquest

Coroner cautions jurors on ex-butler's testimony

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 7:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Princess Diana inquest came to a brief halt today after the possibility of new evidence arose, the Daily Mail reports. Just as the inquest was winding down, the coroner received an email saying a new blood sample from Diana's driver had turned up in Paris. The evidence would have been key to the dispute over whether Henri Paul was intoxicated, but the samples turned out to be bunk.

"Members of the jury, I'm happy to say the problem has been resolved and there's nothing to be worried about and we can proceed,” said the coroner, Scott Baker. He also told the inquest in his summing up that it was almost certain that Paul Burrell, the princess' ex-butler, had lied in his testimony, saying the jury should "proceed with caution" when considering his statements.

In this handout photo by Jacques Langevin, Diana, at left, is seen sitting with Dodi Al Fayed in the back of a car, on the night they died.
In this handout photo by Jacques Langevin, Diana, at left, is seen sitting with Dodi Al Fayed in the back of a car, on the night they died.   (AP Photo/Jacques Langevin, HM Coroner, HO, File)
Diana's bodyguard Trevor Rees, left, and driver Henri Paul are seen shortly before the crash that killed Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed and the driver in Paris Aug. 31, 1997.
Diana's bodyguard Trevor Rees, left, and driver Henri Paul are seen shortly before the crash that killed Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed and the driver in Paris Aug. 31, 1997.   (AP Photo/H.M. Coroner, HO)
Evidence photos from the inquest.
Evidence photos from the inquest.   (Getty Images)
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