Coroner hits out at Portuguese police over death of David Morley

Nov 16 2009 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

A CORONER has slammed Portuguese police for the way they investigated the death of a holidaymaker.

Former cricketer David Morley was found with fatal head injuries after an incident while on a golfing break in the Vilamoura area of the Algarve.

An investigation by the Portuguese authorities was closed earlier this year after they claimed he had tripped while under the influence of alcohol.

But his widow Marie has been fighting to have the case re-opened as she believes he was the victim of a vicious attack.

And at an inquest at Newcastle Civic Centre coroner David Mitford said he had severe doubts about the evidence put forward by Portuguese police.

The inquest heard how Mr Morley had been on holiday with his wife and close friends Edith and James Grove, from Middlesbrough.

Her voice shaking with emotion, Mrs Morley told the coroner how the former cricket professional had gone to buy cigars for a friend when he disappeared. She said he was mugged for his wedding ring, watch, camera and wallet, and left dying in the street.

Mrs Morley, 57, had a few moments with her critically-injured husband before he was taken to hospital where he slipped into a coma. He never woke up.

Statements from the Portuguese police were read out in court and at least two suggested the 64-year-old was drunk. One statement said: “The man appeared to be unconscious but attempted to speak a couple of times.

“He managed to speak to his wife and it transpired that they had been to a restaurant for food and drink that night, everybody had drunk a lot and were very drunk.”