A reserve judge at the Bloody Sunday inquiry in Derry has resigned due to illhealth. Canadian judge Mr Justice William Esson sent a letter of resignation to the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid.
Mr Justice Esson, who is leaving before the inquiry resumes after its summer break on September 3rd, said that doctors in Vancouver had told him he should resign because of his health.
The British government said that it would not replace him because the inquiry was at an advanced stage.
Mr Justice Esson's task was to observe the proceedings and to review the written evidence.