Quiz show accused had explanation

A MAN accused of using coded coughs to indicate answers to a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? contestant had a “convincing” explanation for his apparent suffering, a medical expert said yesterday.

Professor Alan Morris said three conditions caused chronic coughs, and Tecwen Whittock had two of them the night it is alleged he helped Major Charles Ingram pocket the top prize on the TV quiz.

Prof Morris, whose evidence was briefly interrupted at one stage by a juror’s persistent coughing, said the college lecturer’s medical history, together with tests he had carried out, showed the father of four suffered from a year-round dust allergy as well as hayfever.