UK 'Dr Death' inquiry is televised

Shipman was convicted of murdering 15 of his patients

MANCHESTER, England -- Television viewers are getting an unprecedented glimpse inside an English courtroom, as cameras screen in inquiry into serial murders committed by a doctor.

Footage will be beamed around the world on Tuesday after a High Court judge in charge of the inquiry into family doctor Harold Shipman, who murdered 15 of his women patients, agreed to allow filming of doctors and experts for a trial period.

Lawyers acting for international broadcaster CNN had argued that it was in the public interest around the world for feeds from the inquiry's voice-activated cameras to be used in news reports.

All forms of photography are prohibited from courts in England and Wales, but public inquiries are outside the scope of that law.

Now in a pilot which could have implications for some trials, viewers will be able to watch delayed scenes from the council chamber at Manchester Town Hall on CNN, BBC, BSkyB, ITN and Granada as the inquiry enters its second phase today.

'DR DEATH' INQUIRY Evidence by audio-visual system  Inquiry Terms of Reference

Having looked into the deaths of around 800 of Shipman's former patients during phase one, the inquiry was today due to hear about a police inquiry which failed to uncover the former GP's murderous ways.

Counsel to the inquiry, Caroline Swift QC, was due to tell chairman Dame Janet Smith of how a fellow GP (General Practitioner) in Hyde, Greater Manchester, raised fears about Shipman's death rates, prompting a police investigation.

In March 1998, Dr Linda Reynolds jeopardised her career by blowing the whistle to south Manchester coroner John Pollard, who then informed police.

But despite officers checking former patients' death certificates with their medical histories - which Shipman had doctored - no evidence was found to justify arresting the GP.

Following the death of former mayoress of Hyde Kathleen Grundy, a second investigation was eventually launched which trapped the doctor.

In the five months between the two police probes, Shipman had killed Kathleen Grundy, Joan Melia and Winnie Mellor.

Now as part of Stage One of the second phase - which may be filmed - of the Shipman Inquiry, Dame Janet is to hear evidence about how the initial investigation failed to bring the serial killer to justice.

Dame Janet will then decide whether the second stage -- in which the Inquiry will look at issues arising from death and cremation certificates and proposals for change -- should also be televised.

Shipman is currently serving life at Frankland Jail, County Durham, after being convicted of the 15 murders in January 2000.