Accused told journalist he 'will be meeting Veronica Guerin'

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard that a Sunday World journalist was told he "will be meeting Veronica Guerin" by a man accused of threatening to kill him.

James Walsh (aged 45), of Mountain View Drive, Churchtown, has pleaded not guilty to one count of threatening to kill Paul Williams, Crime Editor of the Sunday World, on June 25, 2003 and a count of threatening to cause him serious harm later the same day.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Fergal Foley BL told the jury while outlining the case that Paul Williams, a journalist of "long standing", wanted to interview Mr Walsh about "a matter".

Mr Williams called to Mr Walsh’s home and left his name and contact number. The prosecution will say that in subsequent telephone conversations two threats were made to Mr Williams.

Mr Williams will tell the jury that during the first of two telephone calls he was told "if you write anything about me in the Sunday World you will be meeting Veronica Guerin and I mean that". In the second he will allege he was told "you won’t be walking very much longer you c***".

Mr Foley said the prosecution will rely on Mr William’s evidence that he recognised the voice of the person making the threats as that of Mr Walsh.

Mr Foley told the jury the case concerns an attack on the freedom of the press to report fairly and accurately. He said people may not want to be named in the press but such an attitude cannot provide lawful excuse to make threats.

The trial continues before Judge Donagh McDonagh and a jury of five women and seven men.