Hutton told of discovery of Kelly's body

Tuesday, 2 September 2003 12:00 AM

Dr David Kelly's body was found "slumped against the bottom of a tree" around eight hours after he was reported missing, the Hutton Inquiry heard this morning.

The tone of the Inquiry has sombered dramatically this week, after key political and intelligence figures gave evidence last week producing scenes of high drama.

Reporters are now suggesting that the Inquiry more resembles a coroner's inquest - with those involved in the search for the MoD weapons expert's body giving evidence.

Thames Valley police dog handler Louise Holmes told the court how she and fellow dog handler Paul Chapman had found Dr Kelly's body in a wood near Longworth, Oxfordshire.

Alerted by her dog, Ms Holmes explained "I could see a body slumped up against the bottom of a tree. I turned around and shouted to Paul to ring control and tell them we had found something.

"I went within a few feet of the body. He was at the base of the tree with his head and shoulders slumped against the base of the tree."

Also addressing the Inquiry this morning was Dr Kelly's GP, Dr Malcolm Warner.

With attention turning this afternoon to the scientist's mental state ahead of his apparent suicide, Dr Warner insisted that Dr Kelly had never suffered from or been treated for depression.

However, he did acknowledge " I haven't seen him as a patient for four years".

Due to testify this afternoon is Professor Keith Hawton, director of the Centre for Suicide Research at Oxford University's department of psychiatry.

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