A reserve judge at the Bloody Sunday inquiry in Derry resigned today because of ill health.
Canadian judge Mr Justice William Esson told Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid in a resignation letter he was following doctor's advice.
Mr Justice Esson, who is quitting before the inquiry resumes on September 3rd after a summer break, said doctors in Vancouver had told him he should resign because of his health.
"I have reluctantly concluded that I should follow that advice and for that reason resign my position," he wrote to Dr Reid. "I now write to advise you accordingly, which I do with great regret".
The British government said it would not replace the reserve judge, who was appointed last November, because the inquiry was at an advanced stage.
As a reserve judge, Mr Justice Esson's task was to sit in the hearing's chamber in Derry's Guildhall and observe the proceedings and to review the written evidence.
PA