How the BBC defended programme that aired Adams allegation
In the defamation case taken against the broadcaster by Mr Adams, they argued that his reputation was not harmed by the allegation as he was widely considered to have been a member of the IRA and its Army Council.
Mr Adams denies ever being in the IRA and said on the stand that it was 'not a path that I took'.
The Spotlight programme, aired in September 2016, included a claim from an anonymous source referred to as 'Martin' that the shooting of Denis Donaldson in 2006 was sanctioned by the IRA leadership and that Mr Adams 'gives the final say'.
Mr Donaldson was killed in Co Donegal months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent.
The BBC argued that airing allegations responsibly was a central tenet of journalism.
It stressed that it was an allegation that was made, and not a statement of fact, that Mr Adams had sanctioned and approved the killing.
The broadcaster said that after the allegation, they aired Mr Adams' denial, the claim of responsibility by the Real IRA and the progress of the Garda investigation.
BBC barrister Paul Gallagher SC said the case was taken by Mr Adams on the misunderstanding that the allegation was only based on one source.
Journalist Jennifer O'Leary at the High Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
Spotlight reporter Jennifer O'Leary gave evidence that the allegation was corroborated by five other sources.
She said she was on the road for months after the source 'Martin' made the allegation in a recorded interview in April 2016, and held 60 different meetings with sources in the months after.
Ms O'Leary said she took 'care' and was 'responsible' with the allegation and said she wanted to be 'fair' to Mr Adams by being selective in who she asked to corroborate the allegation.
During the court case in Dublin's High Court, she said she wanted to be 'fair' to Mr Adams, by putting the allegation to sources with experience in the IRA or who had access to intelligence at the time of Mr Donaldson's killing.
She said that she wanted to put it to people who had been reliable sources before and said because of this, she did not include one particular garda source as corroboration because she had not used them before.
Ms O'Leary said she took the 'utmost care' with the allegation and denied leaving out pieces of information from the programme that would contradict the claim against Mr Adams.
Spotlight editor Gwyneth Jones outside the High Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
BBC Spotlight editor Gwyneth Jones gave evidence that they did not treat the claim like a 'big sensationalist expose' and said the tone was 'measured' and the language 'precise'.
'There was so much care taken over this programme. It was a solid piece of journalism and the result of many months work and a lot of diligence and a lot of rigour and a lot of scrutiny,' she said.
In his closing statement, Mr Gallagher told the jury that Mr Adams could not say his reputation had been harmed by the programme if his reputation was of being a member of an organisation that 'held this country and the north as a hostage for three decades'.
'Are we to say nothing about that? Mr Adams would like us to say nothing.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Telegraph
BBC bans journalist who said ‘Israelis are not human beings'
A Gaza reporter who was exposed after describing Jews as 'devils' has been banned by the BBC. The corporation has ordered its Arabic channel to stop using Ahmed Alagha, who was a regular contributor to its coverage of the Israeli war against Hamas. The ban came after The Telegraph revealed in April that Mr Alagha had been accused of describing Israelis as sadistic and less than human. He appeared twice on BBC Arabic after this newspaper exposed his social media comments, once just a few hours after The Telegraph's story had been published, and again on May 12. When Mr Alagha's continued appearances were brought to the BBC's attention, corporation sources stated he would no longer be used on its programmes, ordering its Arabic channel to keep him off air. It comes after continued controversy over the output of BBC Arabic, which critics have described as being biased against Israel, amid claims that several of its contributors have repeatedly made anti-Semitic comments. In May, the BBC's chairman, Dr Samir Shah, announced the broadcaster will appoint an independent figure to investigate its Arabic channel as part of a review of the standard of its reporting of the Middle East conflict. 'The Jews are the devils of the hypocrites' Mr Alagha, who was billed on air as a Palestinian journalist, has appeared on BBC Arabic reporting from Gaza numerous times since January last year. He has appeared to have singled out Jews for condemnation and praised the killing of Israeli civilians on his social media accounts. Responding to footage of Gaza tower blocks being bombed by Israel following the October 7 attacks, Mr Alagha posted on X, formerly Twitter, a few days later: 'This is not a Hollywood film; this is what was done to these towers in Gaza City at the hands of the Israeli occupation, and it's happening to us in Gaza. 'It [the Israeli occupation] is the embodiment of filth, the unrivalled swamp of wickedness. As for the Jews, they are the devils of the hypocrites.' The following day, he posted: 'And as we know, the 'Israelis' are not human beings to begin with, rather they are not even beasts. Perhaps they belong to a race for which no description can capture the extent of their lust and sadism.' 'BBC is trapped in an echo chamber' The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera), a media campaign group, has called for the BBC to crack down on its Arabic channel's use of contributors it says cannot be trusted to deliver objective and balanced broadcasting. A spokesman for Camera UK said: 'The BBC has finally done the right thing regarding Ahmad Alagha. Nevertheless, his and Afifa's stories clearly demonstrate that the process by which the BBC obtains and broadcasts Gaza Strip information is deeply flawed – with Israel's restrictions on journalists entering Gaza not being nearly as relevant as the corporation claims they are. 'BBC Arabic's editors specifically seem to be trapped inside an echo chamber. Such dehumanising statements about Jews and Israelis reflect a deep failure to meet even the most basic standards required from a journalist reporting live from Gaza; yet the editors kept using the individual who made them, even when his record was publicly known. 'This precedent, which would be unimaginable were Alagha to target any other minority group in the UK, let alone a group involved in the same conflict he purports to cover.' Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television said: 'It is both horrifying and astonishing that a reporter who has spouted anti-Semitism was allowed back on air after his vile racism was exposed. 'His appearing on BBC Arabic in the first place was indefensible – simple checks would have revealed his unacceptable views. 'The fact that he was allowed to return after his racism became public knowledge is further evidence of the deep-seated systemic problems of bias, extremism and antisemitism at BBC Arabic. 'BBC management needs to get a grip. If the BBC Arabic service cannot be reformed, it should be shut down.' Broadcasting sources said BBC Arabic had been instructed not to use Mr Alagha as a contributing reporter or commentator again. A BBC spokesman said: 'Ahmed Alagha is not a BBC member of staff or part of the BBC's reporting team. His social media posts do not reflect the BBC's view, and we are absolutely clear that there is no place for anti-Semitism on our services. We will not be using him as a contributor in this way again.' Mr Alagha has recently removed his X social media account.
South Wales Guardian
6 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Implications of Adams' libel victory ‘profound', says head of BBC NI
Adam Smyth, director of BBC NI, said their legal team had warned that the jury's decision in the high-profile defamation case could 'hinder freedom of expression'. The BBC has been ordered to pay the former Sinn Fein leader 100,000 euro (£84,000) after a jury decided they had defamed him in a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson. Mr Adams denies any involvement in Mr Donaldson's death in 2006. Speaking outside Dublin High Court alongside Spotlight reporter Jennifer O'Leary, Mr Smyth said they were disappointed with the verdict. He said: '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.' Mr Smyth said the BBC had not wanted to come to court. But he added: '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.' Mr Smyth said the BBC would now take time to consider the implications of the ruling. Ms O'Leary said she had entered the witness box in the trial with 'nothing to hide, only sources to protect and I want to thank them for trusting me'. She paid tribute to the witnesses who had appeared for the BBC in the case, including Ann Travers, whose sister was murdered by the IRA in 1984. She said: '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.'
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I was a victim of ‘Del Boy' of BBLs I am thrilled Katie Price's butt lift injector has been banned after I almost died
Bonnie Louise Cooper was left fighting for her life after her botched BBL BB HELL I was a victim of 'Del Boy' of BBLs I am thrilled Katie Price's butt lift injector has been banned after I almost died Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) READING the news that her former surgeon Rick Sawyer has been banned cosmetic procedures Bonnie Louise Cooper felt a wave of relief sweep over her body. Sawyer, who gained notoriety performing the BBLs on Katie Price, will no longer be able to practice cosmetic surgery across England and Wales for three years after being slapped with the ban in Manchester Civil Court. 6 Bonnie-Louise Cooper fought for her life after having a BBL at one of Rick Sawyer's clinics Credit: Supplied 6 The mum-of-one contracted sepsis and is lucky to be alive Credit: Supplied He was exposed after a BBC documentary showed him using a rented office block in London to perform the potentially deadly procedure that left some victims, including Bonnie, hospitalised with deadly sepsis. Bonnie, 27, was one of the women whose evidence had been used to ensure the man she had dubbed an 'evil Del Boy,' was served with an injunction. Sawyer has been banned from conducting any procedures in England and Wales until 27 May 2028 after a court heard evidence his BBL procedure had exposed women to sepsis. The injunction also prohibits him from possessing related surgical equipment or any antibiotics typically used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his own personal use. 'I can finally breathe again, Sawyer can no longer hurt any other women,' says Bonnie. 'I was left writing in agony and screaming in pain because of this procedure. 'I still need treatment for my injuries two years on. 'It's a huge relief and I know it's going to send a message to other so-called 'experts' who claim to be trained and licensed. 'These people are evil Del Boys who inflict suffering on unwitting victims. 'I'd be dead if my sister hadn't called the ambulance and gotten me into hospital. Watch as Katie Price livestreams her bum filler op for shocked fans as TWO surgeons inject her on operating table 'My little boy would have been an orphan all because of one of Sawyer's liquid butt lifts.' Beautician Bonnie, lives in Swanage, Dorset is mum to five -year-old Kash and says she decided to have a liquid BBL in November 2023. 'I thought I was doing the right and responsible thing by choosing a British clinic, I was told it was the safest option,' she says. 'I chose the one used by Katie Price on London's elite Harley Street thinking it safe.' But the night before, Bonnie admits she was stunned when she received a text with the address of the practitioner's "second clinic" in Romford, Essex. 'I was assured this was normal,' she remembers. When Bonnie arrived, the mum was told the producer was 'entirely safe'. 'It was explained I was having 250 mils of filler injected into each buttock,' she says. 6 The mum had her bum injected with filler in the hope to get a pert bottom Credit: supplied 6 Katie Price has previously promoted Sawyer 6 More than 30 people have spoken to the BBC claiming Sawyer botched their procedures 'I was given some numbing cream, but I wasn't prepared for the pain of the cannula injection. 'I always thought that giving birth was the worst pain I had ever experienced but labour was nothing compared to this.' Bonnie says the procedure was done in a beauty salon style environment and she was told to stand rather than lie down for the injections. 'I was in shock after the procedure,' she admits. 'I tried to put on a brave face, I was told I was likely to feel a bit odd because of the numbing cream. 'I asked if I should drive home and was told it was fine. 'That didn't make sense to me. I'd just had half a litre of filler injected into my bum. 'I wasn't given any after care instructions and was sent home without antibiotics and by the time I got home, I was screaming in agony. 'I couldn't get out of the car, and I started to vomit and fainted trying to get into my house. 'I rang the clinic, and I was told that they would get antibiotics for me the next day and advised me to go to bed.' Bonnie's sister Lisa-Marie Hughes,32, a stay-at-home mum, visited her that night, and had she not Bonnie might not be alive. 'She found me delirious, sweating and in absolute agony,' Bonnie recalls. Bonnie was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis. She was given morphine regularly for the next four days and intravenous antibiotics to fight the injection. 'I had an emergency MRI scan, and it revealed the procedure had caused muscle damage,' Bonnie says. 'It was so serious I was given a referral to Salisbury Plastics for dissolving procedures.' It took almost five days before Bonnie was well enough to be sent home. 'I had to take two different types of antibiotics for another month and was still on painkillers two months later,' she says. 'The antibiotics promised by the clinic never arrived and I was never told, despite asking what type of filler they used. 'The hospital tried to call the salon, but they didn't answer. It was awful. 'I felt like I'd been thrown to the wolves. I was left with no aftercare and no follow up.' 'I have huge regrets, and I still worry about on-going long-term side effects. I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall Bonnie Cooper 'It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. No one should ever have to experience that.' The standard surgical BBL involves the patient having fat harvested from their own body and re-injection into the buttock area. A non-invasive liquid BBL uses a range of dermal fillers including hyaluronic acid which is injected into each buttock using a large cannula to add volume. The liquid BBL is promoted as relatively pain free because the filler contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. While it seemed like the perfect option, two years on Bonnie is still suffering from her botched BBl. 'Two years on and I am still having physiotherapy on one of my legs to treat nerve damage two times a week,' she says. 'I have a shooting nerve in one leg. It's a constant reminder of what I suffered at the hands of Sawyer's clinics.' Bonnie is one of more than forty women used as evidence for the case for the self-styled 'celeb backed' expert to be banned. As part of the ban the Manchester Civil Court attached a power of arrest to the order, meaning Sawyer could be arrested without a warrant if he is found to be in breach of the terms. The court, together with Trafford Council, heard evidence which included a BBC documentary showing him working out of a rented office performing the procedures. The lawyer James Parry, who raised the case, said the injuries suffered were akin to that of a 'serious knife crime'. Sawyer, who is described as a beauty consultant, was found to be administering injections containing up to 1,000ml of dermal filler into clients' buttocks, without having a single healthcare qualification. What are Brazilian Butt Lifts and why are they so popular? Buttock enlargement surgery - known as a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) - is used to make the bum look bigger, rounded and lifted. Surgeons transfer fat, inject filler or insert silicone-filled implants. It is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure but also one of the most dangerous, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Many patients are travelling to the likes of Turkey or seeking out unregistered surgeons in the UK and are not given full information on the risks. BBLs carry the highest risk of all cosmetic surgeries - with more than one death occurring per 4,000 procedures. Due to celebrities undergoing such ops, many women are hoping to emulate their looks. Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Anu Sayal-Bennett, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, told the BBC: "Despite there being so much about body positivity, there are pressures for women - and men too - to look a certain way." Many people travel abroad for the procedure because it is cheaper and advertising is "terribly seductive", combined with the idea of a beach holiday, added Dr Sayal-Bennett. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has welcomed the ban. Institute President, Mark Elliot, slamming the shocking and dangerous practices Mr Sawyer was found to have committed saying 'the regulatory framework has failed to keep pace with the increase in the prevalence of cosmetic procedures in recent years, fuelled by social media,' The Sawyer ban comes six weeks after socially 'irresponsible' adverts for liquid Brazilian butt lifts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority in Britain. The Authority found a slew of promotional posts on Facebook and Instagram broke the rules - and featured time-limited discounts that could rush consumers into making decisions. It banned six BBL providers from using their ads in the current form again, finding they could pressure women into booking cosmetic surgery "without taking sufficient time to consider the consequences". According to the watchdog 'Undertaking cosmetic surgery should have been portrayed as a decision that required time and thought from consumers before proceeding, because of the risks involved. Some of the adverts featured before-and-after images of Brazilian butt lifts, with captions such as: "Get the curves and contours you've always wanted with our safe and effective body filler treatments.' Others urged potential customers to take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to get that perfect peachy look" - and warned "limited space" was available on certain days. Bonnie says the ban should be just the first step in a continued crackdown on so-called back street beauty consultants. 'I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall,' she adds. Bonnie, who has campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of this style for BBL, is now calling for new laws making it illegal to perform procedures like this in Britain. 'I fell victim to Sawyer in 2023, and it's taken almost two years for action,' she says. 'There needs to be a fast-tracked approach or new laws to regulate the industry. 'This ban is a start.'
