In the High Court in Cardiff, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave yesterday refused an attempt by former First Minister Carwyn Jones to admit additional evidence to the inquest of Carl Sargeant.
Mr Jones had wanted additional text messages considered, but Lord Justice Haddon-Cave agreed with the coroner’s original decision not to admit them.
Lord Justice Haddon-Cave said coroner John Gittins had not acted unreasonably by excluding the texts from evidence. He said the arguments that they could explain why Mr Sargeant took his own life as “speculation”.
He added: “It is indeed unfortunate the bringing of this application may give rise to further unnecessary speculation about this evidence.”
“It is not appropriate for courts to intervene on the basis of speculation.
“We have seen nothing to suggest the coroner in this case acted anything other than fairly and in accordance with his statutory duty under Section 5 of the Coroners Act.”
The inquest is scheduled to resume on 8 July.
Neil Hudgell and Vicky Richardson of Hudgell Solicitors represent Bernie Sargeant, Carl Sargeant’s widow.