Novichok poisoning probe: Skripals may testify

A former spy and his daughter, who survived an attempted murder after being poisoned by a nerve agent, may give evidence in person at an inquest.

Her death followed the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and ex-police officer Nick Bailey in Salisbury in March of the same year.

All three survived after coming into contact with the poison that had been planted on Mr Skripal’s front door handle.

During a preliminary hearing for the Dawn Sturgess inquiry on Friday, the Royal Courts of Justice heard that Mr Skripal and his daughter could give oral evidence later this year.

Michael Mansfield KC, representing Ms Sturgess’s family, said this was because transcripts of police interviews with the Skripals had not been disclosed to him.

He told the court he should therefore be provisionally on the witness list for future hearings in Salisbury.

Mr Mansfield said it was in “less than a Twilight Zone”, without transcripts.

“It’s pretty dark until we know we can’t act,” he told the court.

He also acknowledged Skripal’s “potential trauma” if he testified.

Jack Holborn, who represents the Skripals, spoke of concerns about security measures for them if they were to become witnesses.

Government KC Cathryn McGahey said the pair’s safety was “primary”.

It has also been heard that lawyers representing Ms Sturgess’s family may not be able to cross-examine witnesses at the substantive hearings due to fears that issues of national security and police work could be revealed.

The family wants to investigate the quality of care received before the death.

Inquest hearings are due to begin in October.