Virgin Media Television has given ‘hardened criminal’ John Gilligan a platform to attack Veronica Guerin’s memory and legacy, her brother has told Newstalk Breakfast.

Jimmy Guerin has written to members of the Oireachtas asking them to support calls for Virgin Media to reconsider its decision to air the three-part series 'Confessions of a Crime Boss' featuring the convicted drug trafficker.

The first episode in the series aired earlier this week and it is due to continue next Monday.

In his letter, Mr Guerin said the series has been “most upsetting” for his family, warning that the show has given Gilligan a chance to “peddle his lies and tarnish Veronica’s reputation and legacy”.

“I believe it's wrong to be broadcasting the programme and to be giving the likes of a John Gilligan, a hardened criminal, a platform to peddle lies,” he told Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Jimmy Guerin talks to the media outside the Court of Criminal Appeal after John Gilligan failed in his appeal against his conviction for drugs offences, 08-08-2003. Image: RollingNews

He said his family always knew Gilligan was likely to ‘make statements and tell lies’ – but they never thought he would be given the chance to speak on national television.

“I think what's hardest to take now is that this is an onslaught on Veronica’s memory and that he has manipulated journalists and media outlets in order to allow him make attacks on Veronica's memory and on her legacy,” he said.

“So, I think it's not so much disappointing what Gilligan's like, because we all knew that – but we never thought we would have to defend her and that journalist would allow him this platform.”

Murdered Journalist Veronica Guerin speaking at a Fianna Fail conference on Crime in April 1996. Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews

Investigative reporter Veronica Guerin was murdered in June 1996 by a gunman on a motorbike on the Naas Dual Carriageway near Newlands Cross.

Gilligan was acquitted of her murder in 2001 after a 43-day trial at the Special Criminal Court.

At the time, Judge Diarmuid O’Donovan said the court had “grave suspicions” about Gilligan’s involvement in the murder, but the evidence produced at trial was not enough to convict him.

Gilligan was sentenced to 28 years in prison for drug trafficking later that same year.

Gardaí at the scene where Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin was shot and killed in her car on the Naas Road in Dublin, 26-06-1996. Image: Leon Farrell/RollingNews

On the show this morning, Jimmy Guerin said the producers of 'Confessions of a Crime Boss' had failed to challenge Gilligan on his statements in the first episode.

“They're relying on other people then to pick them apart,” he said.

“I was involved in journalism for a short time and I would never have sat and interviewed somebody and allowed them to tell me lies and not challenge them on it.

“Secondly, I think you're running the risk of glorifying him. I think if you look at some of the comments that I believe were on social media after it, there are people who are saying, ‘Well done John’ and ‘Good man, John,’ because he's undermining the integrity of the Gardaí and the police – coming out with stories, as if there's something to be proud of.

“I think it's wrong for any media outlet to allow that type of broadcast to go out where it isn't being properly challenged.”

The Veronica Guerin memorial in Dublin Castle, 03-04-2023. image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Gilligan was also charged with a vicious assault on Ms Guerin at his former home in County Kildare; however, the charges were struck out after her death.

Jimmy Guerin said many of today’s viewers are too young to remember what actually happened back then.

“It's 27 years since the horrific murder of Veronica,” he said.

“It's 27 years, 28 years, since John Gilligan assaulted her, ripped her clothes open and beat her black and blue.

“There's a different generation now.

“People will be looking at this who might not be fully aware of this story and they'll be listening to a criminal like him, and they'll be listening to his direct testimony.

“While the producers know that what he's saying is lies, people will have to form their own views and I don't think it's right that we have to rely on people who are not terribly au fait with what went on and be hoping that they would persuade viewers that the man was undermining my sister's reputation and damaging her legacy, that they can convince them he's wrong.”

John Gilligan is seen in 'Confessions of a Crime Boss'. Image: Virgin Media

In his letter to the Oireachtas Mr Guerin noted that some viewers will, “look up to this man, who will be influenced by him and think that to become involved in crime is an option for some of them”.

He also notes that the first episode saw Gilligan make a joke about beating women that was, "hardly questioned by the interviewer".

Virgin Media has been contacted for comment.

Main image is a split-screen showing John Gilligan (Image: Virgin Media) and Veronica Guerin.