How we spoke to Witness A

By EUGENE BINGHAM and ALISON HORWOOD

The story alleging false evidence was given at one of the biggest criminal trials in New Zealand began with an anonymous phone call to the Herald's 0800 tip-line.

After a brief discussion, the caller identified himself as Witness A in the Scott Watson double-murder trial, and was transferred to two reporters who covered the case.

Three conversations from a pay-phone followed before the man asked to meet the reporters and speak in detail about his involvement in the trial.

His disclosures on the phone were enough to persuade the Herald to fly to a secret location where the man was in hiding, fearing for his life.

Witness A arrived at the rendezvous and talked nervously to the reporters for two hours before agreeing to a taped interview at a nearby beach where there was no risk of anyone overhearing his disclosures.

The Herald repeatedly warned Witness A that what he had to say could have serious ramifications if it appeared in the newspaper.

But he said he was determined to continue because he wanted to clear his conscience and thought the public had a right to know the truth.

During the taped interview that followed, the man became emotional and asked for a short break.

He had carried his lie for 15 months, and was overcome by the act of unburdening it.

In the later part of his five hours with the Herald, he began talking of taking his own life.

"I've done my part and that's all I want to do," he said.

Half an hour after leaving, he phoned a reporter's cellphone to say he had swallowed several bottles of prescription pills.

One reporter kept him talking to find out where he was, so the other reporter could send an ambulance.

Witness A was taken to hospital where he received medical treatment and psychiatric help.