Sunday World editor: Wright piper 'forfeited privacy'

A man who played the pipes at Billy Wright's funeral abandoned his right to privacy when he became involved in the murder of a Sunday World journalist, its editor has alleged in court.

Drew King was charged with murdering Martin O'Hagan. The charges were later dropped.

He is claiming damages against the Sunday World for alleged misuse of private information and harassment.

Editor Jim McDowell told a judge they wanted to expose him as being "a major figure in a sectarian killing machine".

Martin O'Hagan was shot dead in September 2001 as he walked home with his wife from a pub in Lurgan.

The 51-year-old had built a reputation for his stories on paramilitaries and drug-dealing.

He had infuriated County Armagh paramilitary bosses, including murdered LVF leader Billy Wright, by exposing their crime and drugs rackets.

Murder charges against Mr King and two other men were withdrawn in July.

Details of what he is attempting to stop the newspaper from publishing cannot be fully disclosed for legal reasons, pending the outcome of the case.

The 42-year-old, said to have received a number of paramilitary death threats, is also seeking an injunction to prevent publication of his address or other information surrounding his family circumstances.

Mr King, formerly of Waringstown, told the High Court hearing he did not know Wright's funeral would turn out to be a paramilitary-style procession.

He also categorically denied having anything to do with Mr O'Hagan's killing.

His lawyer Karen Quinlivan put it to Mr McDowell: "As far as you are concerned, you believe he murdered Mr O'Hagan and you think he has forfeited his right to a private life."

The editor replied: "That's right."

Mr McDowell defended his newspaper's decision to publish information about Mr King's partner as being part of a character profile.

"He had a reputation as a womaniser and this was another woman he was with," Mr McDowell said.

The barrister said a number of reports had been "a gross invasion of Mr King's personal life and his family's private life".

But Mr McDowell replied: "It's no more a gross invasion than the seven bullets that went into Martin O'Hagan's back were a gross invasion of his right to life."

Judgement in the case was expected to be reserved following a three-day hearing.