An unnamed source at the centre of a legal poser is to speak out at a specially-arranged meeting later this month.

Journalist Graham Smith was threatened with court action for his refusal to identify a Navy officer he quoted over the sinking of a trawler in 1974 with all hands.

The former chief petty officer is now set to give bereaved families the chance to question him about his evidence - while retaining his anonymity. He will be close to the meeting's venue and in microphone contact.

Graham was asked to identify the former sailor by a Government inquiry into the sinking, after he published a story claiming The Gaul was dragged under the sea by a nuclear submarine.

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

The Treasury Solicitor later dropped his demands over the exclusive online interview and the story's source, who still refuses to come forward.

Graham said: "As a result of my refusal to divulge my source's identity, I am informed that the content of the interview cannot properly be investigated. This I cannot believe but I leave you to draw your own conclusions."

The Chief Petty officer has agreed to speak to members of The Gaul Families Association and anyone else with an interest.

Graham said: "He is a man of sincerity and integrity and has always said that he would speak to the adjourned inquiry given assurances about his liberty and pension which have not been given.

"Consequently his anonymity will be protected at the meeting, but we will have a chance to hear him and question him on relevant points."

Graham published a story on his website - and a voice recording - of the Navy man, who claimed to have overheard a canteen conversation.

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