Neil Lennon ‘bomb’ plot trial: Witness tells court ‘angry cons might actually kill me’

A WITNESS in the Neil Lennon bomb plot trial has told a court he did not want his evidence to be reported because “angry cons” in jail might kill him.

Alastair Wardrop, 31, began to tell the High Court in Glasgow about when he met Neil McKenzie in Barlinne prison last year and what they spoke about.

But he then said he did not want to say anything and have it reported in case there were repercussions when he returned to prison.

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After being told by judge Lord Turnbull yesterday that he would have to give evidence in a public court, he claimed he could not remember what the men discussed or what he told police afterwards.

Wardrop was giving evidence in the case against Neil McKenzie and Trevor Muirhead, who are on trial charged with planning to “assault and murder” Neil Lennon, the late QC Paul McBride and former MSP Trish Godman between 1 March and 15 April last year.

He told the jury he was a remand prisoner in Barlinnie between May and August last year where he met McKenzie.

Advocate depute Tim Niven-Smith, prosecuting asked: “Was he somebody you would see on a daily basis?”

Mr Wardrop replied: “Hourly basis maybe.”

He was asked: “Did he ever discuss what he was remanded for?”

Mr Wardrop said: “He told me he was remanded for the Neil Lennon case.” Then said “the bomb”.

But, when pressed for more information he said he did not want his evidence reported. He said: “I am actually not wanting this reported if I’m telling what I’m telling because I’m going back to jail with 100 angry cons tonight that might actually kill me.”

He added: “If it was on the telly perhaps you might not see me again.”

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After a legal discussion Wardrop was told it was a “fundamental feature of the administration of justice” that trials are heard in public.

Lord Turnbull said: “Your evidence will be required to be given in the same manner as any other witness.”

When asked by Mr Niven-Smith about the discussions Mr Wardrop had with McKenzie he said: “No, I’m not going to say anything about it then. So take what you will from that.”

After being shown a police statement that had his signature on it, he admitted he had written a letter to the procurator fiscal about McKenzie and gave a statement afterwards.

The court did not hear what was said in Mr Wardrop’s police statement. The witness claimed he could not remember what he wrote or what he told police when they came to see him in prison.

He said he could not remember what he did yesterday and therefore could not remember months ago.

Mr Niven-Smith asked: “Is there any particular reason you can’t remember what you did yesterday?”

Mr Wardrop answered: “I don’t know, maybe I have got a malfunction with my brain or something wrong with my memory loss but I just can’t seem to remember things.”

Muirhead and McKenzie deny all charges. The trial continues.