Thread by @jamesdoleman

Kathleen O'Donnell V Times Newspapers resumes in Edinburgh.
Times editor John Witherow is being cross-examined.

When proceedings resumed counsel for the complainant asked about evidence from a Mr Wills, Witherow says he only knew Wills “vaguely”

The editor says he rejects Will’s story although has no idea what would motivate him to not tell the truth.

Asked about journalist Janice Turner Witherow says:

"She’s representing a group of people who feel worried about the trans lobby, she’s a very good journalist."

Witherow says he would not have much contact with the complainant as she was too junior to talk regularly to the editor.

The Court was then shown a number of emails between Ms. O’Donnel and the witness, he admits he was "aware of her."

“As night editor she was working on stories, yes.” placing stories [in the Scottish edition] in consultation with London.” Agrees she was one of the most senior people at the Scottish Office of the paper.

The witness was the shown a statement from a Martin Barrow (sp) He “reports quite an unpleasant culture doesn't he?” counsel asked, “he is alleging it yes.” Witherow replies.

The editor describes another part of Barrow's statement as "a complete lie, a fantasy."

Witherow says he has appointed women to a number of senior positions at the Times.
"Can't say" why Barrow would not tell the truth.

Asked why in his witness statement about not getting any emails from the complainant, emails which have now been shown to the court, Witherow replies:

"I didn’t remember receiving any emails from Kathy, I get hundreds a day...a newspaper is a very busy place."

Asked if he remembers the being offered to write a column about trans issues Witherow replies, “if she had wanted to write a column we would have published it.”

Witherow on The Times: "“We’re very positive about the LGBT, we have a group that meets every week."

The next article shown to the court, “High Court judge is the most senior transgender woman.” Counsel for the complainant points out that in the report the judge’s “previous male name was used,

"Mistakes are made" he replies.

Asked about the views of Times Columnist Janice Turner, Witherow says he can't say if her facts are correct on transgender issues.

Witherow says he was “neutral” on the issue of the complainant getting the editors job at the Scottish Times.

Agreed he did not “encourage” her to apply.

Counsel now moves to a Facebook comment made by the complainant about an interview the Times had with Donald Trump. He notes that Rupert Murdoch was in the room at the time but this wasn't mentioned in the piece.

He notes that Rupert Murdoch was in the room at the time but this wasn't mentioned in the piece. The lawyer suggested this was a private forum only used by journalists, yet it had been suggested she should have been sacked for this.

Witherow says he doesn’t know the details.

On the complainants redundancy Witherow says: sub-editing was being moved to London for “efficiency reasons, we had to make savings.” adds “The Irish operation is completely run out of London.”

He "completely disagrees," with the suggestion that he discriminated against a trans woman.

Witherow says the reason she was not appointed acting editor was that Angus McLeod was ill and it was decided to appoint the political editor as acting editor as the Scottish referendum was ongoing.

Finally counsel asks if Witherow knew today was the international day of tolerance for gay and transgender people. “I did know that,” Witherow replied. “The Times hasn't covered it today?” Counsel notes, “we will tomorrow,” he replies.

Cross-examination ends.

Witherow is asked by Counsel for The Times why he didn't respond to an email, "sometimes you miss them," he replies.

Mr Witherow has now ended his evidence and asks to make a statement:

"The Times is not hostile to trans groups, there are some columnists that engage with trans groups, we've offered the trans lobby the opportunity to put their case."

Mr Witherow ends his evidence and court adjourns until next Tuesday

Thanks to everyone for RT's faves etc.