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| Hoax call DJ may appear at suicide inquest | | | Melbourne: RADIO presenter Mel Greig has hired lawyers and may head to London for this week's inquest into the suicide of British nurse Jacintha Saldanha, in a move that distances the DJ from her employer, Southern Cross Media.
Greig's announcement came as her former co-host, Michael Christian, missed his regular morning slot on Southern Cross's Melbourne station, Fox FM, after revelations Saldanha left a suicide note blaming the pair for her death.
Saldanha, a 46-year-old mother of two, was found hanged in her living quarters near London's King Edward VIII Hospital in December, two days after transferring the Sydney 2Day FM DJs' prank call to colleagues treating the Duchess of Cambridge for pregnancy complications.
Greig, who remains on stress leave after the incident, confirmed through her lawyers that she would appear as an individual when the inquest begins on Thursday.
"Ms Greig's decision to appear independent of her employer was made for a number of reasons. She understands the family's need for answers and wants to help them find them. She is also determine to address any allegations about her role in these matters," said Steven Edward of Slater & Gordon.
"Ms Greig wants the (Saldanha) family to know she will answer any questions the coroner or the family's lawyers may have at the inquest."
It was last night unclear why Christian missed his shift in Melbourne, or if he will return today.
London's Sunday Times newspaper last weekend published Saldanha's suicide note to hospital management, which blamed the radio presenters for her death.
The note read: "Please accept my apologies. I am truly sorry. Thank you for all your support. I hold the radio Australians Mel Greig and Michael Christian responsible for this act. Please make them pay my mortgage. I am sorry. Jacintha."
Greig had last night not decided if she would appear in person, but has received permission to give evidence by video link.
Christian, who returned to the airwaves on Fox FM in February, will be represented by Southern Cross, who received leave to appear last week. The hearing has been set down for two days.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is also investigating the matter, and is expected to deliver its findings in May or June. |
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