Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is set to testify in a London court as a civil case alleging his involvement in Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombing decisions approaches its conclusion.

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The case, being heard at the High Court, has been brought by three men seeking a ruling that Adams bears personal responsibility for injuries they sustained in attacks in the 1970s and 1990s.

Allegations over IRA leadership role

The claimants argue that Adams was a long-standing member of the IRA’s ruling army council and effectively its leader for decades. They allege he played a role in authorising major bombings, including the 1973 Old Bailey attack and explosions in London Docklands and Manchester in 1996.

Adams, 77, has firmly denied the allegations, insisting he was never a member of the IRA and had no involvement in the attacks. He is the sole witness for his defence and is expected to face questioning from Sir Max Hill KC, a lawyer representing the claimants.

Civil case brought decades later

The legal action has been filed by individuals injured in the bombings: John Clark, who was hurt in the Old Bailey attack, and Jonathan Ganesh and Barry Laycock, who were injured in the 1996 incidents.

They are seeking symbolic damages of £1 each, described as “vindicatory”, aimed at establishing legal responsibility rather than financial compensation.

Adams’ legal team has challenged the case, arguing it relies heavily on hearsay evidence and has been brought too long after the events in question. They contend the claims fall outside the legal time limits set by legislation, which could result in the case being dismissed without a ruling on liability.

Testimony from former officials

During the trial, several former police officers and military personnel have testified for the claimants, stating that intelligence material linked Adams to the IRA’s leadership over a prolonged period.

One witness, retired colonel Richard Kemp, told the court it would have been “inconceivable” for Adams not to have been involved in authorising the 1996 bombings, which ended a ceasefire at the time.

The claimants argue that Adams should be held as accountable as those who physically carried out the attacks.

Broader context and previous cases

Adams has previously faced allegations regarding IRA membership but has consistently denied them. A charge brought against him in 1978 was dropped due to insufficient evidence.

More recently, convictions related to attempted prison escapes during the 1970s were overturned in 2020.

He has also been questioned about his alleged role in the IRA in other legal proceedings, including a 2019 inquest in Belfast and a libel case in Dublin in 2025.

The outcome of the current case will depend in part on whether the court accepts the claims as being within the legal time limits, as well as the weight of the evidence presented.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 March 2026

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Gerry Adams was a senior leader and member of the IRA Army Council for decades. the guy has denied this for over 50yrs but he has deluded himself