Burrell trying to wriggle out of grilling at Di inquest

London, Mar 3 : Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell is trying to dodge out of appearing in court after it became known that he had not told 'the whole truth' at her inquest.

In the video tape, the former royal butler was candid about the fact that he deliberately misled the coroner, High Court judge Lord Justice Scott Baker, saying: "I was very naughty."

According to British paper The Sun, Burrell admitted that he threw in "red herrings" and held back facts during his testimony.

He said at the time: "When you swear an oath, you have to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I told the truth as far as I could - but I didn't tell the whole truth. Perjury is not a nice thing to have to contemplate. I was very naughty and I made a couple of red herrings, and I couldn't help doing it. I know you shouldn't play with justice and I know it's illegal and I realise how serious it is."

A source now reveals to the paper that Burrell has asked if he can give evidence via video-link for he is scared of being ripped apart by lawyers, and facing Lord Justice Baker.

"He asked if he can instead give evidence via video-link. If he has it his way he won't turn up at all," the paper quoted the source, as saying.

Though Lord Justice baker cannot force Burrell, who has made the US his home, to return to the UK, he can give the video to the cops who can then arrest him for alleged perjury if he comes to Britain.

ANI