(Aussie) Army 'interfered' with Kovco probe

ARMY chiefs have been accused by a military police commander of interfering in the investigation into the shooting death in Baghdad of Private Jake Kovco.

Major Michael Pemberton said his professional team may also have been unnecessarily "tainted" because their full role in investigating the death had yet to be revealed.

Major Pemberton, head of the military police's special investigations branch (SIB), was giving evidence today to the inquiry into Pte Kovco's death.

The inquiry has already heard suggestions the SIB investigation was flawed, with officers not carrying out any DNA or gunshot residue tests at the scene.

There have also been claims investigators coached some soldiers through their statements.

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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20147790-1702,00.html