This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The former Welsh first minister, Carwyn Jones, has lost a high court attempt to have text messages relating to the behaviour of a minister he sacked heard at his inquest.

Jones argued that the texts could shed light on why Carl Sargeant took his own life four days after being dismissed as a Welsh government minister following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women.

The texts, between two prominent north Wales Labour councillors, allegedly suggest that Sargeant had done something that could have led to a prison sentence.

But the high court in Cardiff ruled that the coroner hearing Sargeant’s inquest, John Gittins, had been right to exclude the text messages. Lord Justice Haddon-Cave said the inquest, which was adjourned part-heard last year, should be resumed and conclude as soon as possible.

On Thursday, Jones’s lawyers claimed the inquest could not be a “full, fair and fearless investigation” if it did not hear the texts between councillors Bernie Attridge and Aaron Shotton.

Cathryn McGahey QC, representing Jones, said: “The coroner has been unduly influenced by the completely understandable wish not to cause distress to the Sargeant family.

“We say Bernie Attridge had highly relevant knowledge about what caused Mr Sargeant to take his own life. He was aware of matters preying on Mr Sargeant’s mind.”

McGahey said the inquest would be “incomplete” and “one-sided” if the text messages were not included, adding: “It is unknown, in my experience, for a coroner investigating a suicide not to look at the factors that caused that individual to take his own life.”

Sophie Cartwright, for the coroner, argued the inquest was a “limited fact-finding inquiry”, and said finding out the reasons why Sargeant took his own life were not included in statute, nor was it required to come to a conclusion of suicide.

Haddon-Cave said Gittins had acted correctly and the application to have the text messages included was “based on speculation as to what that evidence may or may not show”.

He added: “It is indeed unfortunate the bringing of this application may give rise to further unnecessary speculation about this evidence.”

The judge continued: “Carl Sargeant tragically died almost exactly 18 months ago. It is important there is no further delay and that the inquest is resumed and concluded as soon as possible.”

Sargeant, 49, was discovered hanged at his home in Connah’s Quay, north Wales. Those close to him have said he was not told the details of what he was accused of and was unable to properly defend himself.

The inquest is scheduled to resume on 8 July. Jones has already given evidence but is expected to be recalled.

In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or emailjo@samaritans.org. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.