John Walker's Electronic House

MoS

John:

Your journalism skills don’t seem to extend to reading my email address on the right of the site : )

How can I help?

Daniel Cochlin:

Sorry, it had been a long day. I work for the Mail on Sunday and am looking to find out what Kevin’s address was and who his partner was. All info would obviously be treated in the strictest confidence and we do offer cash for info recieved. Could you get back to me ASAP on email or on 07838XXXXXX? Thanks

Dan Cochlin
Mail on Sunday

John:

Hi,

I’m sorry, but I cannot in good conscience do anything that would aid the Mail on Sunday. While I’m aware that many of the people writing for the paper are perfectly decent, the paper is certainly not. It’s a nasty, dangerous thing.

I’m a little concerned as to why you are trying to track down his address and private life. Kevin kept such details very private for a good reason – he found fame embarrassing, had no desire to have his private life in the limelight, and I cannot think of a positive reason why you would wish to have this information.

I see that you write many gossip articles. I can only request that you give a decent man his dignity.

If you would like a quote about him, or what he was like to work with, I’m certain there are very many colleagues who are far more press-savvy than me, who would be willing to share with you what a good guy he was. My comments about him are in the public domain on my blog.

Sorry I can’t be of more help,

John Walker

Daniel Cochlin:

Hi John

Thank you for you long and frank reply. I respect your views and understand your concerns.

The only reason we are trying to track down Andy, his former partner, is that the man arrested was a new partner and, if todays stories are to be believed, may have administered a series of drugs to Kevin before he died. Therefore Andy is the only person who may be able to give us some insight to Kevin. It is clear that Kevin was a popular man, and we would like to track down the truth. You may find that hard to believe, but I have never worked for a paper which checks and re-checks its facts so well. You say we/I write a lot of gossip, in fact I destest gossip and deal in hard facts and evidential news. You may still feel you do not want to give me the info, but it would be the best way for the truth to come out.

Yours

Dan

John:

I’m sure that the debate over the age of model Agyness Deyn, or Lili Allen’s concerns about Posh Spice’s fame, are the very hardest of facts. And it’s good to know that whether the Crispy Pancake seller is sleeping over at Fergie’s isn’t gossip.

I couldn’t give a toss if attention-hungry celebs get acres of coverage. (Are you aware that the Daily Mail is considered a gossip rag in America? Just have a scan through this (excellent) gossip site for the number of times the Hatemail/MoS gets quoted.

I’m a freelance journalist, and I’m not an idiot. I know that you couldn’t give a fuck how Greening died, or who was involved. You, understandably, want a good story and a scoop. But you can’t be fooling yourself with lines like, “the best way for the truth to come out.” Yes – I’m certain that Kevin’s family, his former partner, the
police, and just about everyone are desperately hoping that the MoS will be the ones to break the news, in its famously warm and delicate fashion. I’d like to venture the suggestion that the “best way for the truth to come out” would be a police investigation.

I’m not shocked or offended that you’re sniffing around this corpse. It’s your job, and I understand how it works. But I do take offence at your mendacious comments.

If I find out that John Prescott has two teatimes in a day, however, you’ll be the first to know.

John Walker

Daniel Cochlin:

Well aren’t we the clever one? I’ve got the info elsewhere so spare me your ‘expertise’ on journalism matters. Get a job, get a life and I might respect what you say slightly more

John:

Well put sir. Touche. I admit defeat in this battle of minds.