Burrell Perjury Probe On Hold During Inquest

The Metropolitan Police have announced that former Royal butler Paul Burrell will not face an investigation for perjury while the inquiry into the death of Princess Diana is continuing.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: "Any action the Metropolitan Police Service would take around allegations of perjury would not be dealt with until conclusion of the inquests.

"Any decision taken would be in consultation with the coroner after the jury have reached their verdict."

Mr Burrell has refused to return to the UK to re-attend the inquest and face allegations that he had lied during his evidence earlier this year.

Mr Burrell gave evidence to the inquest in January. However, in a video recording obtained by 'The Sun' newspaper, he allegedly claims that he did not tell the whole truth to the inquest.

The recording was made in a New York hotel room on February 18. Following the publication of the story, Mr Burrell said that he had been tired and depressed and had been drinking all evening when the conversation took place. He added that he was trying to impress someone at the time and insisted that he had not lied to the inquest.

Coroner Mr Justice Scott Baker had called for Mr Burrell to return to the inquest from his home in Florida to explain about the situation. However, the coroner said that he could not force him to return because he is in the US and out of the court's jurisdiction.

Transcripts of the recording have been read to the jury instead.

The inquest is being held into the car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris in August 1997, in which Diana, Dodi Al Fayed and their driver Henri Paul were killed.

The hearing continues.

(KMcA/JM)