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Burrell to be probed over inquest 'lies'
Last updated at 11:31am on 18.02.08
In the dock: Paul Burrell arrives at High Court to give his evidence
Burrell with Princess Diana
The Coroner heading the Princess Diana inquest today ordered an inquiry into Paul Burrell's alleged confession that he lied to the jury.
A covert video recording appears to show the Princess's former butler admitting he committed perjury at the inquest in December.
Mohammed Al Fayed, whose son Dodi died alongside Diana, today waved newspaper reports of Burrell's alleged claims in front of the jury at the High Court inquest. But Ian Burnett QC, representing coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker, prevented him reading them aloud.
The lawyer told him that the Coroner has arranged for the allegations to be investigated.
Burrell was today in hiding after the recording was published by a national newspaper.
In the tape, Burrell, 49, says he held back facts and threw in "a couple of red herrings" so as not to "give away secrets".
He is quoted on the recording saying: "Do you honestly think I've told everything I know? Of course I haven't. Do you honestly think I am going to sit there in a court of law and tip out my guts and tell them?
"That's what he wanted me to do - the judge - to actually tell them what I know, all the secrets. No. You know me better than that."
Burrell added: "When you swear an oath, you have to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I told the truth as far as I could - but I didn't tell the whole truth.
"Perjury is not a nice thing to have to contemplate. I was very naughty and I made a couple of red herrings, and I couldn't help doing it." Burrell was recorded in a New York hotel by a reporter from The Sun, who posed as someone interested in selling his range of homeware. The former butler opened up after drinking champagne.
Burrell was not at his £350,000 home in Florida last night but a friend claimed he was a victim of his own boasting. He said: "When Paul has had a drink and wants to impress people he will say anything."
Reader views (3)
Regrettably, when taking oaths these days, the phrase "so help me God" carries little significance for the person on the stand.
- Marianne, UK
At last the worm turns and shows himself up. Poor Diana, what chance did she have with leeches like this one around her? I hope some kind of justice is done for the sake of our Royals who have to put up with some awful people saying dreadful things. Our Queen deserves all accolades, she conducts herself like a real Royal.
Paul Burrell, would have been beheaded or at least be lounging in the Tower, 200yrs ago, shame we have done away with some customs.
- Jane Phillpot, Leighton Buzzard. UK
While he is being investigated, he should have all his assets frozen which is money he has made on the back of Diana's death. She was betrayed in life but has been betrayed far more in death.
- Jessie, LONDON
