POLICE are attempting to force journalist Chris Mullin to reveal sources from his notes containing a “murder confession” over the Birmingham Six pub bombings.  

West Midlands Police is seeking a “production order” at the Old Bailey that would force Mr Mullin, a retired investigative journalist and former government minister, to hand over notebooks potentially identifying who planted the 1974 Birmingham pub bombs.

The hearing comes after the force attempted unsuccessfully to have Mr Mullin prosecuted under the Terrorism Act two years ago, the Old Bailey heard today. 

Mr Mullin alleged he heard the “murder confession” from an IRA operative who said that he delivered both bombs. 

The interview was recounted in Mr Mullin’s 1986 book, Error Of Judgement, and he promised not to reveal the identity of the “bomber” while they were alive.

In the wake of the bombings, six men were convicted of the 21 murders and would spend 16 years in prison before their convictions were ruled “unsafe,” largely as a result of Mr Mullin’s investigation. 

Mr Mullin sought out the “real” bombers to confirm his belief that the convictions were wrongful.

James Lewis QC, acting for West Midlands Police, told the court that the suspect, identified as AB, is now resident in Northern Ireland, was convicted of other bombings around Birmingham and was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Questioned in court, Mr Mullin refused to confirm which members of the Birmingham IRA he had interviewed, or what had been the contents of his conversations. 

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Keeping sources confidential is a vital undertaking made by all responsible journalists. 

“The NUJ will be supporting Chris Mullin with whatever it takes to enable him to keep his word.”

The case, which continues, was before the Recorder of London, Mark Lucraft QC.