WA: Mystery evidence sparks new Hancock inquest

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-1999
WA: Mystery evidence sparks new Hancock inquest

Mystery surrounds evidence which will be the basis of a new coronial inquest into the
death of West Australian mining magnate, LANG HANCOCK.

WA Coroner ALISTAIR HOPE has agreed to hold an inquest, but won't reveal any detail
of the new evidence he's received.

In March this year, Mr HOPE ruled a new inquest was inappropriate, but says the strength
of the fresh evidence has convinced him to change his mind.

Mr HANCOCK died at his palatial Prix D'Amour mansion in Perth's Mosman Park in March
1992 at the age of 82, and his daughter GINA RINEHART has repeatedly demanded an inquest.

Mrs RINEHART believes her father was unlawfully killed, despite a police investigation
ruling out foul play and a coronial report which found he died of pre-existing medical
conditions.

Mr HOPE says the importance of the new evidence won't be known until it's been tested in court.

He says it hasn't been shown to Mrs PORTEOUS or her lawyers yet, and it's therefore
impossible to say when the inquest will be held.

AAP RTV alm/rp/pjg

KEYWORD: HANCOCK (PERTH)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.