Bbc to apply for more time to consider appeal over gerry adams libel ruling

FORMER SINN FEIN LEADER MR ADAMS TOOK THE BBC TO COURT OVER A 2016 EPISODE OF ITS SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMME 15:12, 03 Jun 2025 The BBC has indicated it will apply on Tuesday afternoon for a stay

on orders relating to Gerry Adams' successful defamation claim against the broadcaster. Former Sinn Fein leader Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight

programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any

involvement. On Friday, a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour and awarded him 100,000 euro (£84,000) after determining that was the meaning of words included in the

programme and article. It also found the BBC's actions were not in good faith and the corporation had not acted in a fair and reasonable way. The full amount of legal costs to be paid

by the BBC in the libel case has yet to be determined. On Tuesday, Hugh McDowell, for the BBC, told Judge Alexander Owens that senior counsel Eoin McCullough intended to apply for a stay in

the afternoon. Article continues below A stay on orders in the case would allow the BBC further time to consider whether it will lodge an appeal. Last week, Mr Adams' legal team said

the verdict of the jury was a "full vindication" for their client while the BBC said it was "disappointed" with the outcome. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in Co Donegal in

2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent over 20 years. In the programme broadcast in September 2016, an anonymous source given the pseudonym Martin claimed the

shooting was sanctioned by the political and military leadership of the IRA and that Mr Adams gave "the final say". In 2009, the dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed

responsibility for the killing and a Garda investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Mr Adams said the allegation was a "grievous smear" while the BBC has described the legal

action as a "cynical attempt to launder his reputation". The high-profile republican sought damages of at least 200,000 euro (£168,000) from the BBC. However, the British public

service broadcaster had argued it would be a "cruel joke" to award the former Sinn Fein president any damages. It had argued the allegation was corroborated by five other sources

and that Mr Adams had a reputation of being a member of the IRA. Article continues below After six hours and 49 minutes of deliberations in total, the jury awarded the plaintiff 100,000 euro

– which falls within the "medium" range for defamation. Adam Smyth, the director of BBC Northern Ireland said the broadcaster has insurance and "makes financial provision for

ongoing and anticipated legal claims".