Coroner Slams Police As Inquest Adjourned

A coroner has hit out at police failings and has been forced to apologise to the deceased's family who attended court, describing it as "a complete waste of time".

He also heard that the mother of the dead man who was killed in a burnt-out car reveal that her son's death was actually confirmed through a Teletext news item - and not directly by the police.

Mary Edens - who has since criticised the lack of police co-operation - made the shock comment during the inquest into the death of her 25-year-old son Mark.

Mark Edens, from Ligoniel in Belfast, died from smoke inhalation and burns on May 8, 2006.

His body was recovered from a burnt-out red BMW in Cavehill Country Park.

The shock statement was followed by the case being adjourned because the police officer that could answer questions on the matter was not made available.

Northern Ireland Coroner John Leckey stopped the inquest when it emerged the officer who attended the court in Belfast did not have "any relevant information" into the case.

Investigating officer Sergeant Kevin Moore revealed he had only been asked to investigate road traffic offences and said he had been involved a number of weeks after the initial investigation had been carried out.

Mr Moore said the senior investigating officer Inspector David McCausland was now on secondment with the Irish gardaí.

Mr Leckey questioned why this information had not been shared with the Coroner's Office as Sergeant Moore's information was of limited value.

Ms Edens told the court the family felt the police had been un-cooperative since her son's death.

Ms Edens also said the family felt they were not kept adequately informed about any developments in the case.

Mr Leckey said he found it difficult to "be absolutely certain as to what happened" as conflicting pictures were painted.

Mr Leckey rescheduled the inquest for April 11.

(BMcC)