02/03/2007

Al Fayed wins victory in court case

Mohammed Al Fayed has won a court case in a bid to have a jury sit on the coroner's inquest into the death of Diana Pricess of Wales and his son Dodi Al Fayed.

The High Court ruling overturns a decision by Coroner Baroness Butler-Sloss to hear the case without a jury.

The pair died in 1997 when the car they were travelling in struck a pillar in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris.

Mr Al Fayed has viewed the court decision as a victory as he believes the jury will prove his belief that the pair were murdered.

It is understood that Baroness Butler-Sloss, who had previously ruled out a jury, will continue to conduct the inquests.

A three-year inquiry by former Metropolitan Police Chief Lord Stevens found no evidence to support a murder plot conspiracy.

The vehicle's driver Henri Paul was found to be over the drink-drive limit and speeding when the crash occurred.

The car was being pursued by paparazzi shortly before the crash occured.

(SP)

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