Earlier this year, the Echo told how issues with DNA samples and the character of prosecution witnesses had led to the acquittals in December.
We also told how friends remained concerned about why Mr Williams, a former gardener, had been released from hospital still suffering from injuries received during the first burglary.
Following our report, we wrote to Caroline Beasley-Murray, senior coroner for Essex, asking her to consider the issues raised.
Well, she does like
a good pontificate from the bench. So surely a case where some druggie scumbags have eluded justice is just her cup of Earl Grey?
She replied: “After the crown court proceedings were concluded there was no reason for the inquest to be reopened.
“The criminal proceedings had already gone thoroughly into the facts surrounding the death. Moreover, any resumed inquest after criminal proceedings have concluded must not reach a determination inconsistent with the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The situation has not changed and there is still no reason for the inquest to be reopened.
“It is my understanding that Mr Williams’ brother was consulted at the time, fully understood the situation and was not asking for the inquest, exceptionally, to be reopened.”
Oh. Well, clearly not. Maybe because it'd shine a light on the local NHS, and
we already know how reluctant she is to do that....
During the trial, jurors heard Mr Williams’ chest had been “flattened” as a result of 50 rib fractures, probably caused by repeated stamping.
Drug addicts Simon Smith, 40, of no fixed address, and Anthony Smith, 44, of Ceylon Road, Westcliff, were cleared of murder after a trial at the Inner London Crown Court in December.
The men, who are not related, were found guilty and jailed for eight-and-a-half years each for the first burglary.
And the justice system threw in the murder for free...
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