BBC Statement on outcome of Gerry Adams' legal proceedings against the BBC

BBC News

a day ago

Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, on behalf of the BBC said:
"We are disappointed by this verdict. 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. Moreover, it was accepted by the court, and conceded by Gerry Adams' legal team, that the Spotlight broadcast and publication were of the highest public interest.
"We didn't want to come to court, but it was important that we defend our journalism and we stand by that decision. Our past is difficult terrain for any jury and we thank them for their diligence and careful consideration of the issues in this case.
"The implications of their decision, though, are profound. As our legal team made clear, if the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it's hard to see how anyone's could. And they warned that today's decision could hinder freedom of expression.
"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.
"We would like to thank Jennifer O'Leary, Gwyneth Jones and all those who gave evidence on behalf of the BBC, as well as our legal team for their unwavering support. We will now take some time with them to consider the implications of this ruling."
Jennifer O'Leary, Spotlight reporter, said:
"I first want to thank the legal teams involved in defending the BBC's journalism – our inhouse litigation team, in particular Stephen Harris and Alice Hickey, our Dublin team led by Karyn Harty and her team at Denton's – in particular, Lesley Caplin and Aaron McCarthy, and our advocates in court – Senior Counsels Paul Gallagher, Eoin McCullough and Junior Counsel Hugh McDowell. All were forensic, fair and kind.
"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.
"I also want to acknowledge and thank our witnesses in court – Trevor Ringland, Senator Michael McDowell and Ann Travers – who spoke so courageously. And there are thousands of Ann Travers across this island and in Britain - victims and survivors of the Troubles AND the years after the peace agreement who carry the burden of their grief and trauma with incredible courage. They are the people I'm thinking of – all of them. Thank you."