Police Seek Private High Court Challenge To Journalist

The Chief Constable has applied to have the case forcing a journalist to hand over information about the Real IRA held in private.

The latest development comes today after the journalist continued to defy police requests to handover source information on dissident republicans, despite a High Court challenge.

Sunday Tribune Northern Editor Suzanne Breen broke a number of stories about the Real IRA and the PSNI now want her to surrender any details she has on the terrorist group.

Last week officers visited the journalist's home and gave her seven days to comply with orders.

A High Court judge is hearing evidence under oath from a police officer and will rule on the 'privacy' application later on Friday.

Today the police went to the High Court to seek a judicial ruling forcing Ms Breen to disclose phones, computers, discs, notes and other material linked to two particular articles.

Ms Breen is adamant she will protect her sources. She said: "It is not the job of journalists to be detectives.

"We will be upholding the journalistic code of ethics, which includes the protecting of sources."

The National Union of Journalist has expressed outrage at the scenario, which it said impedes the 'freedom of the press'.

Detectives are seeking information relating to the Real IRA's murder of two soldiers at an Antrim army base in March.

The dissident group told Ms Breen it was responsible for the attack. A senior member also told the journalist the Real IRA had killed Provisional IRA informer Denis Donaldson.

Further threats to security service workers' lives were also issued through Ms Breen.

The journalist said her life would be in danger if she was to reveal information on her contacts.

Journalists are not protect by law to keep sources secret, however a section of the Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice advises news gathers to keep contacts confidential.

(PR/BMcC)