Thorold Masefield yesterday to discuss the forthcoming inquiry into the case.

David Middleton had a half hour meeting at Government House to hear about plans for the inquiry -- which will look at the collapse of his daughter's case and examine how serious crimes in general are dealt with.

Mr. Middleton arranged to fly to the Island this week before the Governor made his decision on Wednesday to hold the inquiry.

He told The Royal Gazette he was delighted the Governor had decided to go for a public examination of the July, 1996 murder to find out why no-one has been convicted.

Last Monday, the Privy Council in London ruled that Justis Smith, who was acquitted by a Supreme Court judge in 1998 on the grounds of no case to answer, could not be retried for the murder.

Rebecca was visiting Jasmin Meens when she was murdered, and yesterday her father, Rick Meens, accompanied Mr. Middleton to the meeting with the Governor.

Mr. Middleton said: "I am pleased they have come to this decision, although how it's handled and the outcome, that will become clear at the end of the day. As far as things have gone so far, I'm pleased.'' The Governor announced on Wednesday that a Commission of Inquiry, expected to consist of three or four experts from overseas and Bermuda, including a judge, will look at the case and how the island deals with serious crimes.