A new inquest is to be held into the death of a diver off Anglesey, following fresh evidence that provides “a real possibility of a different verdict being returned”.

Richard Hartley, 43, from Bradford, went missing in July 2003 while diving on the 40m-deep Cambank wreck, near Anglesey’s Point Lynas. Described as a capable, well-equipped diver, Hartley was diving in a group of seven, including his brother.

Despite underwater searches around the wreck, Hartley’s body was not found and he was presumed dead. When an inquest was held in March 2004, remains had still not been located and an open verdict was returned by the North West Wales coroner, Dewi Pritchard-Jones.

Just a month later, police divers were able to recover Hartley’s remains, still wearing a diving cylinder, after they were found by sport divers near the wreck. The North West Wales coroner applied to the High Court to have the original verdict quashed, so that a new hearing could be held.

On 6 October, judges Lord Justice Keene and Justice Poole declared the March 2004 inquest void. They stated that evidence made available since the original inquest could be of “importance to the diving community in terms of safety and diving procedures”.

Related links
Body of diver found close to Anglesey wreck
Diver lost off Anglesey

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