Harvester evidence order granted

The Solway Harvester sank off the Isle of Man in 2000

A court order has been granted in a bid to force the owner of the Solway Harvester to give evidence at an inquest into its sinking.

The trawler sank off the Isle of Man on 11 January 2000 with the loss of seven crew on the Kirkcudbright-based boat.

Manx Coroner Michael Moyle has previously criticised Richard Gidney's failure to attend an inquest hearing.

He confirmed on Friday that a formal request for assistance had now been granted at the Court of Session.

VICTIMS OF THE SOLWAY HARVESTER SINKING Skipper Craig Mills, 29 Robin Mills, 33, Craig's brother David Mills, 17, Craig's cousin Martin Milligan, 26 John Murphy, 22 David Lyons, 18 Wesley Jolly, 17

Mr Gidney went on trial on the island for manslaughter in 2005 but was acquitted when the judge ruled there was no case to answer.

An official inquest opened in November 2006 but Mr Gidney did not appear.

He was still absent at a further sitting of the inquest prompting Mr Moyle to issue a strongly worded statement expressing "concern and displeasure".

He lodged an application with the courts to see if Mr Gidney could be forced to give evidence and that has now been granted.

The fishermen who died on the boat all came from near the village of Isle of Whithorn, in Dumfries and Galloway.