Kelly's boss testifies at inquiry
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A tape of Kelly's interview with Watts (right) was played to the inquiry.
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Gilligan defends his BBC report Tuesday. CNN's Diana Muriel reports (August 13)
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LONDON, England (CNN) -- The inquiry into the death of British weapons expert David Kelly is hearing evidence from his manager at the Ministry of Defence which is likely to focus on his treatment by the ministry.
Bryan Wells was expected to face tough questions at Lord Hutton's inquiry Thursday about the ministry's role in naming Kelly as the source for a BBC report claiming that Prime Minister Tony Blair's government exaggerated intelligence on Iraq.
Kelly's body was found near his Oxfordshire home 10 days after he admitted meeting BBC defense correspondent Andrew Gilligan.
A massive row developed after Gilligan, who used Kelly as a source but did not name him, said the government's dossier on Saddam Hussein's weapons was made "sexier" by Blair's director of communications, Alastair Campbell, against the wishes of intelligence experts. (Full story)
The appearance of Wells at London's Royal Courts of Justice marks a shift in focus for the inquiry after two days taken up with evidence from the BBC.
The inquiry heard Kelly's voice Wednesday when a recording was played of a conversation he had with another BBC journalist, Susan Watts. (Full story)
In Watts' tape, Kelly blamed the Downing Street press office for inserting a controversial claim that Iraq could deploy weapons of mass destruction in 45 minutes.
Kelly did not blame Campbell personally, although the scientist told Watts he regarded Campbell as being "synonymous" with the Downing Street press office operation.
Gilligan has said Kelly told him Campbell was behind publication of the 45-minutes claim.
The resumed inquest Thursday into the death of 59-year-old Kelly at Oxford Coroner's Court heard evidence from an amended medical report by a Home Office pathologist which said the main cause of death was the number of incisions into his wrist.
The secondary causes of death were said to be ingestion of the prescription painkiller Co-Proxamol and also, the inquest heard, coronary artery atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries common in men of Kelly's age.
The inquest was due to be adjourned indefinitely on the instructions of the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer. The inquiry will take over the functions of the inquest in order to prevent duplication of evidence.
The Hutton inquiry is expected to last several weeks. Blair, Campbell and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon are due to appear at a late date.
The inquiry is not a court of law but is being seen as a severe test of the government's credibility and the integrity of the state-funded BBC.
