Attending The Hearings

Witness information for giving evidence at the Robert Hamill Inquiry at the Interpoint Centre, Belfast

About the Inquiry

The Inquiry is chaired by Sir Edwin Jowitt, a retired High Court Judge. He is joined by Sir John Evans, retired Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, and Reverend Baroness Kathleen Richardson of Calow, Moderator of the Churches’ Commission for Inter Faith Relations.

Mr Ashley Underwood QC is Leading Counsel to the Inquiry and he is assisted by Ms Julie Anderson and Ms Harriet Short. Ms Judi Kemish is Solicitor and Secretary to the Inquiry.

Arriving at Interpoint

Please contact a member of the Inquiry on (telephone number removed) as soon as possible if for any reason you are unable to attend the Inquiry on the day you are due to give evidence.
Please give advance notice as far as possible of any special needs or requirements that may affect your attendance, such as the need for wheelchair access.
On arrival please follow the signs to the first floor and give your name to reception. A member of the Inquiry will greet you and take you to the witness waiting area to explain how the hearings will work.
Weapons are not permitted in the Interpoint centre. There is a security scanner at the entrance which you will have to pass through.
A member of the Inquiry will be available at all times to help you or answer any questions you may have.
Please note that you will be required to leave your mobile phone at the Inquiry reception whilst you attend the Interpoint centre.
Please remember to bring your reading glasses if you require them.
Please bring a copy of your statement and relevant documents.

Friends, family & legal representatives

You may bring a friend or family member with you. Due to limited space only one person, in addition to your legal representative, will be able to wait in the witness area with you. Your friend or relative may sit in the Hearing Chamber when you are giving evidence.

Giving your evidence

You will be seated in the Hearing Chamber whilst giving your evidence and there will be a microphone in front of you.
You will be asked questions by Counsel to the Inquiry. Please answer each question truthfully to the best of your ability. Take whatever time you need before answering. If you do not know the answer to a question, cannot remember or simply do not understand the question, please inform Counsel or ask for clarification of any point as necessary.
The Inquiry Panel may also ask you questions.
A stenographer will be transcribing your evidence as you speak.
The Inquiry hearings are public and your evidence will be posted onto the Inquiry’s website the following day. None of your personal details will be published in any documentation, including the transcript. Please remember to bring a copy of your statement and relevant documents.

After giving your evidence

You will be told by the Inquiry when your evidence is complete, or when you need to return. You may stay and watch the rest of the proceedings in the public gallery or leave as soon as you are finished.
A member of the Inquiry will be on hand to answer any questions you may have when you have concluded your evidence.

Expenses

The Inquiry will reimburse you for reasonable expenses you incur as a result of attending to give evidence. You will have received a Witness Expenses Form with your scheduling letter. There will also be forms available in the witness waiting rooms.
Guidance for expense claims is available on the Inquiry’s website.
Correct receipts must accompany all claims.

Refreshments

You will be provided with a cup of tea or coffee on your arrival, whilst you are waiting to give evidence and during any breaks in proceedings. There will be water in the Hearing Chamber.
Should you be at the Inquiry over the lunch break, sandwiches will be provided. Please contact the Inquiry on (telephone number removed) if you have any specific dietary requirements.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the Inquiry. Thank you for your assistance.