The summaries also included the blood alcohol level of each of those who died. This meant that at the start of each individual inquest, the person’s blood alcohol level was read out for the second time. The first time had been when the toxicologist who had conducted most of the blood alcohol testing, Dr Forrest, gave evidence. He was the third witness called and after describing the tests he had carried out, he read out a list of names of all of those who died, followed by their blood alcohol levels. It has been suggested this repetition of information about blood alcohol placed an inappropriate emphasis on the issue.
The IOPC has identified evidence that shows that the presentation of information about blood alcohol levels was discussed with a solicitor from the HSC at a pre-inquest review meeting. According to Dr Popper’s meeting note, the solicitor confirmed he was happy with the creation of summaries of evidence that included a reference to blood alcohol levels, but “wondered whether it would be possible to add something to the summary to indicate how many pints of beer equivalents that particular level was.” This information was subsequently included.
The IOPC has not found any documentary evidence to explain why Dr Popper decided to repeat this piece of information in each individual inquest. However, there is no indication that WMP had any involvement in the decisions about how or when information about blood alcohol levels were presented, or the decision to repeat the information.
