Jonathan Dowdall tells court his mother and children have received death threats

Former Sinn Féin councillor said 'level of intimidation' had increased since he turned State's witness to give evidence against Gerard Hutch

Jonathan Dowdall giving evidence in the trial of Gerry Hutch at the Special Criminal Court. Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA

Former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall has told the Special Criminal Court his 62-year-old mother and his children have received death threats since he decided to turn State's witness and give evidence against his former co-accused Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch.

"This is why nobody comes in and gives evidence," Dowdall told the Regency Hotel murder trial on Friday.