17 Jun 2002

An inquiry is to resume in Solomon Islands into the death of a NZ diplomat, Bridget Nichols

8:52 am on 17 June 2002

An inquiry is to resume in Solomon Islands today into the death of the New Zealand diplomat, Bridget Nichols, who was found stabbed in her residential compound in Honiara three months ago.

The death of Ms Nichols, who was the Deputy High Commissioner, had been considered suspicious.

But last month, the Solomon Islands police commissioner said her death appeared to have been accidental and he called the public inquiry, which is being led by the acting chief magistrate, David Chetwynd.

Several witnesses were called on the inquiry's opening day, last Thursday, when among others statements of her neighbours were presented.

New Zealand forensic and police experts involved in the death probe are also In Honiara to testify.