THE FAMILY of Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant have expressed disappointment that an inquest into his death could not be concluded within the week it was meant to be.

During the fifth afternoon of the inquest John Gittins, coroner for North Wales (East and Central) told the hearing he felt it would be appropriate to conclude the proceedings at that stage without hearing further evidence.

He told the hearing he had received a new witness statement from Ann Jones AM earlier that day.

Leslie Thomas, representing the family, told the court the new statement 'raises a number of issues' in terms of further evidence that will need to be looked at in the course of the inquest.

Before adjourning the hearing, Mr Gittins expressed his thanks to those who had attended what he called an interesting and challenging week.

He added: "To members of the Sargeant family, this is all about Carl and it should be about Carl. I have sought to keep it that way this week.

"I am disappointed we have not managed to end this and and bring closure for everyone concerned.

"There are times when we cannot allow expediency over thoroughness. This is one of those occasions."

The solicitor advising Bernie and Jack Sargeant, Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors read out a statement after the adjournment, in which he said the new evidence brought to the inquest appeared to contradict evidence given by First Minister Carwyn Jones just days earlier.

Mr Hudgell said: "The family share the coroner’s disappointment that Carl’s inquest has not been concluded, although it is not surprising.

“We are shocked and concerned by new witness evidence which appears to contradict evidence already given on oath by the First Minister and his senior special adviser resulting in them having to return to court to clarify and explain those conflicts.

“For Bernie, Jack, Lucy and family it has been a long and difficult week, full of unnecessary delays and it is highly unsatisfactory that they have not yet been able to get all the answers they deserve.

"However, they are undeterred and will not stop in their quest for the truth.

“The family have asked me to say thank you to those witnesses who came and spoke openly, honestly and with compassion.

"It has meant a great deal to them. They would also like to send a heartfelt thanks to everyone across the country for the love and kindness they have been shown over the past 13 difficult months.

“Finally, I feel the need to remind everyone as it seems to have been forgotten at times this week, that at the heart of these proceedings is a much-loved and missed husband, father, son and brother.

“As these are ongoing legal proceedings there will be no further comment from the family or lawyers until the inquest concludes.”

* THERE has also been a legal challenge and the possible recalling to give more evidence of Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Welsh Assembly member Mr Sargeant, 49, was fired from his job as cabinet secretary for communities and children by Mr Jones after “bombshell” sex claims he had groped and touched women.

The father-of-two was found hanged by his wife Bernadette at his home in Connah’s Quay, North Wales, four days later on November 7 last year.

Coroner John Gittins apologised to Mr Sargeant’s, family sat in court at the hearing, now in its fifth day at Ruthin County Hall.

He said a legal challenge by Cathryn McGahey QC, who represents the First Minister, and a decision on re-calling Mr Jones meant the inquest could not now conclude today (Friday, November 30).

Mr Gittins has twice refused applications from Ms McGahey to call evidence relating to the details of the allegations made against Mr Sargeant.

She has told the hearing it was not right only to hear details about Mr Sargeant’s long-standing depression, and not to consider the impact on him that his own “acts” may have had.

She cited Mr Sargeant telling a driver, “I have brought it on myself,” and he told his family he had “failed” them.

Ms McGahey has sought to review the coroner’s rulings in a higher court, so evidence from Aaron Shotton, leader of Flintshire County Council and his deputy, Bernie Attridge, can be called.

A text exchange between the pair suggested Mr Sargeant would be very nervous now revelations about alleged sexual misconduct in politics were growing amid the ‘Me Too’ movement.

Mr Gittins said it “may be necessary” to recall the First Minister who gave evidence to the hearing on Wednesday.

The inquest has now been adjourned indefinitely.