Top British defence aide Sir Kevin Tebbit returned to the spotlight of the Hutton Inquiry today in a special one-off hearing.
The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was recalled to the Royal Courts of Justice to be cross-examined over his involvement in events leading up to the death of Government scientist Dr David Kelly.
Lord Hutton reconvened proceedings in Court 73 after Sir Kevin's scheduled recall in the second phase of the inquiry last month was postponed on medical grounds.
The inquiry has already heard the closing statements from each of the key lawyers involved but Lord Hutton said he would sit again today to allow Sir Kevin to be questioned by barristers acting for the Kelly family and for the inquiry, as well as counsel for the Government.
He was expected to be asked about the treatment of Dr Kelly after he came forward to admit meeting BBC reporter Mr Andrew Gilligan, and events leading up to the decision to confirm the scientist's name to the press.
He was also likely to face questions over an e-mail sent by an MoD official, saying that the ministry was unlikely to stand in Dr Kelly's way if he chose to give evidence to two parliamentary committees.
The lawyer for the Kelly family, Jeremy Gompertz QC, has questioned other witnesses about whether it was Dr Kelly's decision to appear before the committees or if he came under pressure from the British government.
PA