A journalist has been told he will not have to reveal the source of a story he published online.

The Treasury Solicitor has dropped demands for Graham Smith to speak out about his exclusive interview with a submariner who claims to hold the key to the sinking of a trawler in 1974.

An inquiry has been held into the tragedy, which claimed the lives of all 36 men on board, but the story’s source, a retired chief petty officer, refused to come forward.

Freelance writer Graham was summonsed to produce documents, notes and recordings about his investigation.

He was told he could face legal action for failing to reveal his sources, but indicated that situation would not change and his meeting with the inquiry legal team was postponed for legal discussions to take place.

Graham said: “The Treasury Solicitor has now said that because I refuse to name the man I no longer have to attend upon the witness summons regarding the chief petty officer interview on my website.

“He also intimates that the inquiry is unlikely to take any notice of the interview and I may like to consider the accuracy of the item on the website.”

Graham published a story on his website – and a voice recording – of the Navy man who claimed to have overheard a canteen conversation alleging the boat was pulled under by a nuclear sub.

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