Paparazzo withholds evidence
Romuald Rat said he would not give evidence to the inquest into Princess Diana's death
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Tuesday, 27, Nov 2007 03:19
One of the photographers at the scene where Princess Diana died ten years ago has refused to give evidence at the inquest into her death.
Romuald Rat had been requested to be questioned on his version of events via videolink in France.
But in a statement to the inquest Mr Rat said he would not appear "today or any day".
The photographer has been accused of attempting to sell pictures of Princess Diana in the moments after the crash to the Sun newspaper for £300,000.
Mr Rat has denied the claims, describing them as "defamatory".
His decision not to appear comes a day after the coroner lost a legal bid to allow statements made by the paparazzi to be read out in court.
In a statement Lord Justice Scott Baker said he is "disappointed" with the judgement "as it is likely the effect of this decision will be to prolong the inquest and increase costs".
"However, the coroner will do what he can to minimise these while taking such steps as he can to enable the jury to hear the evidence, in a manner consistent with the court of appeal's judgment," the statement added.
The inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed on August 31st 1997 began on October 2nd and is pursuing a number of issues relating to their accident in the Pont d'Alma underpass in Paris.