The solicitor advising Bernie and Jack Sargeant, Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors has issued the following statement after the adjournment of today’s inquest:
“The family share the coroner’s disappointment that Carl’s inquest has not been concluded,although it is not surprising.
“We are shocked and concerned by new witness evidence which appears to contradict evidence already given on oath by the First Minister and his senior special adviser resulting in them having to return to court to clarify and explain those conflicts.
“For Bernie, Jack, Lucy and family it has been a long and difficult week, full of unnecessary delays and it is highly unsatisfactory that they have not yet been able to get all the answers they deserve. However, they are undeterred and will not stop in their quest for the truth.
“The family have asked me to say thank you to those witnesses who came and spoke openly, honestly and with compassion. It has meant a great deal to them. They would also like to send a heartfelt thanks to everyone across the country for the love and kindness they have been shown over the past 13 difficult months.
“Finally, I feel the need to remind everyone as it seems to have been forgotten at times this week, that at the heart of these proceedings is a much-loved and missed husband, father, son and brother.
“As these are ongoing legal proceedings there will be no further comment from the family or lawyers until the inquest concludes.”