Gerry Adams Wins €100,000 Libel Case Against BBC Over Defamatory Allegation

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Gerry Adams Wins €100,000 Libel Case Against BBC Over Defamatory Allegation

 

Gerry Adams, the former Sinn Féin leader, has been awarded €100,000 in damages after a jury in Dublin found that he was defamed by a 2016 BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme and an accompanying online article. The case, which centred around a serious allegation concerning the 2006 murder of British agent Denis Donaldson, concluded after a four-week trial at the High Court, where Adams firmly denied any involvement in the killing.

“Taking this case was about putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation.”

- Gerry Adams pic.twitter.com/sRgLMyWHrx

— Irish Unity 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@IrishUnity) May 30, 2025

 

The BBC report included a contribution from an anonymous source who alleged that Adams had sanctioned Donaldson’s murder, a claim the jury found to be defamatory. They ruled that the wording of the programme and article implied that Adams had approved and sanctioned the killing and that the BBC had not acted in good faith in reporting the allegations. The jury’s decision resulted in the award of €100,000 in damages to Adams, and legal sources suggest the total cost of the case may reach between €3 million and €5 million, making it one of the most expensive legal battles ever faced by the broadcaster.

Gerry Adams has WON his defamation case against the BBC pic.twitter.com/VLCEogorWd

— Irish Unity 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@IrishUnity) May 30, 2025

 

Speaking after the verdict, Adams expressed gratitude to the court and acknowledged the Donaldson family. "I know many, many journalists. I like to think that I get on well with most of them and I wish you well and I would uphold your right to do your job," he said. However, he was critical of the BBC, saying, "The British Broadcasting Corporation upholds the ethos of the British state in Ireland and, in my view, it's out of sync in many, many fronts with the Good Friday Agreement. It hasn't caught on to where we are on this island as part of the process, the continuing process, of building peace and justice and harmony and hopefully, in the time ahead, unity."

 

Adams’ solicitor, Paul Tweed, welcomed the ruling. "Our client is very pleased with this resounding verdict and award of damages which speaks for itself." He also criticized the BBC for allowing the “false allegation” to remain online for nearly a decade, arguing that it undermined the high standards of accuracy expected of the broadcaster. “It begs the question whether there has been any political or outside pressure on the BBC to take the stand they have taken,” he added.

 

Adam Smyth, the director of BBC NI, expressed disappointment in the outcome. “We believe we supplied extensive evidence to the court of the careful editorial process and journalistic diligence applied to this programme and accompanying online article,” he said outside court. “We didn’t want to come to court, but it was important that we defend our journalism and we stand by that decision.” He acknowledged the financial burden of the case, saying, “Of course, a case of this importance, duration and complexity involves significant expense. In common with other media organisations, the BBC has insurance and makes financial provision for ongoing and anticipated legal claims.”

 

Jennifer O’Leary, the Spotlight journalist who reported the story, also spoke following the verdict. “I said in the witness box that I had nothing to hide, only sources to protect, and I want to thank them for trusting me,” she said, also expressing gratitude to the BBC’s legal team and witnesses.

 

Meanwhile, the Donaldson family expressed frustration at being sidelined during the proceedings. Jane Donaldson, daughter of Denis Donaldson, said in a statement, “The jury heard sensitive, privileged family information tossed around without our consent, but did not hear my testimony.” She also criticised Adams, stating, “By reducing events which damaged our lives to a debate about damage to his reputation, the plaintiff has trivialised our family tragedy. The plaintiff prioritised his own financial and reputational interests over any regard for retraumatising my family.”

 

Denis Donaldson, once a prominent Sinn Féin figure, was revealed in 2005 to have been a long-term informer for both the police and MI5. He was murdered in 2006, and the Real IRA later claimed responsibility. His family has called for a public inquiry, stating they have been “stonewalled” throughout the libel case.

 

This trial, conducted before a jury, was notably more complex and costly than if it had been heard by a judge alone. The Republic of Ireland is currently reviewing its defamation laws, including the potential removal of jury trials in such cases. In Northern Ireland, jury trials in libel actions have been discouraged since 2022.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC | X 2025-05-31

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Terrorist supporting peas in a pod, Gerry Adams celebrating his win with Kneecap.

[Jim Blue]

Seems G erry would make a great Minister of Education . Oh just remembered that position, was given to his best mate.! 

[Chomper Higgot]

The Beeb had its day in court and Adams has his place in the history of rightly proud Irish patriots.

 

‘The Troubles’ are over.

 

 

[JonnyF]

The BBC won't care.

 

Just extort more money from the British public to pay the terrorist. Same as they did in Gaza. Nothing new.