Burrell to testify by videolink at Princess Diana Inquest

Paul Burrell is so terrified of returning to the Diana Inquest that he has asked to give his evidence by video link from the United States. The disgraced former royal servant fears he will be humiliated again by Michael Mansfield QC if he has to step into the witness box for a second time.

Burrell was ordered to return to London from his home in Florida by the coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker after making a series of “confessions” during a drunken chat with an undercover reporter in a New York hotel room. On the covert video recording, Burrell claimed he had lied at the Inquest and knew he was committing "perjury". He also said he had put out some red herrings in a bid to confuse the hearing and the jury.

The Coroner issued an order for him to return and explain his comments but Burrell now fears he will be “torn to shreds” by Mohamed Al Fayed's lawyers if he sets a foot in the witness box. One of Burrell's friends said: “Paul is absolutely terrified about going back. He knows he has got to explain himself but does not want to go into court. Some of the French witnesses have given evidence by video link and that’s what Paul wants to do. He suffered enough during his last visit to the inquest and says Mohamed Al Fayed’s lawyer Michael Mansfield will tear him to shreds.”

And Burrell has much to fear given the possibility he could be arrested for perjury when he returns to Britain if he ignores the coroner’s request and may face a 10-year prison sentence although this is highly unlikely. But it is understood the coroner wants to hear his 'new evidence' before deciding whether to ask Scotland Yard to launch a criminal investigation.

It is thought the coroner will agree to a video link interview, which would be arranged by officials with the British consul in Orlando. Burrell has tried to keep a low profile since the tape exposing his lies was made public. A spokeswoman for the Royal Courts of Justice said it was still not confirmed when Burrell might give 'evidence'.