Interesting but doesn’t hold water

THE fact that the theory is plausible means police should carry out a detailed assessment, looking for any opportunity to confirm different aspects of it. If they find independent corroboration then the case may be fully re-opened. I can’t see that happening and I expect the Met to tell us in a few months nothing can be confirmed and the case won’t be re-opened. The theory is interesting, but not convincing. I believe it will join all the others in the box marked ‘Interesting theories … but nothing more’. This does sometimes happen and, as there are significant similarities between the two reporters, the theory is a little more plausible. Professional hitmen, such as those the theory says were involved, rarely make such a mistake, however, and this undermines it. The fact the intended victim was just one of many making similar allegations also raises the question of why just one was to be killed. CLAIMS Gerard Marie