Latest news with #SinnFéin
Belfast Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Judge accused Gerry Adams' barrister of ‘barracking' witness – then apologised for making criticism
The judge in the Gerry Adams defamation trial accused one of the former Sinn Féin leader's barristers of barracking a witness – but later apologised to the lawyer for being 'bad-tempered' with him. Mr Justice Alexander Owens criticised part of Tom Hogan SC's cross examination of Jennifer O'Leary, the BBC Spotlight reporter in the 'Spy In the IRA' programme that Mr Adams claimed defamed him.
Extra.ie
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Family of Denis Donaldson say Gerry Adams 'retraumatised' them with libel action
The family of murdered informant Denis Donaldson have called for a public inquiry into his death, as they accused Gerry Adams of 'retraumatising' them with his libel action against the BBC. The former Sinn Féin president yesterday said he has 'put manners' on the BBC, after winning €100,000 in damages over an allegation that he sanctioned the murder of the British spy. Mr Adams had sued the BBC in the High Court in Dublin, claiming it wrongly alleged that he had the 'final say' in the death of Sinn Féin official and informant Denis Donaldson. Gerry Adams. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Mr Donaldson was shot dead in Donegal in April 2006, four months after confessing that he had been an agent for the British security forces for 20 years. The murder remains unsolved. Mr Adams, who has been both a TD and an MP, said the 2016 Spotlight documentary, Spy In The IRA, had damaged his reputation as a peacemaker. He said the programme was a 'grievous smear' and a 'hatchet job' – and the jury agreed. Gerry Adams. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Following the verdict, Mr Donaldson's daughter Jane called for an urgent public inquiry into her father's violent death. Speaking on behalf of her immediate family, she said: 'By reducing events which damaged our lives to a debate about damage to his reputation, the plaintiff has trivialised our family tragedy. 'Daddy's murder and surrounding circumstances devastated our family. The plaintiff prioritised his own financial and reputational interests over any regard for retraumatising my family.' She continued: 'We are still no closer to the truth. No one spoke for my family in court. We supported neither side in this case.' Gerry Adams. Pic: Collins Courts She said her family had been 'stonewalled' in their pursuit of the truth, while 'limitless' legal resources and vast expense were invested in the High Court case. She noted that an inquest into Mr Donaldson's death had been postponed 27 times, and said the family had been refused a judgeled commission of investigation. She said the public interest could Plaintiff: only be Gerry served by Adams some form of public inquiry, with a crossborder dimension, 'empowered to investigate the whole truth about the conspiracy to expose and murder my daddy'. Adam Smyth, director of the BBC in the North, said the broadcast and online article '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,' he said after the verdict yesterday. Mr Smyth added that the implications of this case will be 'profound'. 'If the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it's hard to see how anyone's could,' he explained. The head of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ireland, Séamus Dooley, said the case 'underlined' the need for reform of the defamation legislation. 'As an official representing BBC journalists I was disappointed at the comments made by Mr Adams regarding the organisation' he said, referring to his claim to have 'put manners' on the broadcaster. 'Spotlight has a proud history of investigative journalism and the outcome of this case does not take from that history.' He said the scale of damages gave rise to serious concern for media organisations. 'The NUJ has long sought reform of defamation law and Twitter,' he said. The BBC had argued that the documentary, and a follow-up online article, were fair and reasonable publications on a matter of public interest. Facing potential legal costs of over €1.5million for the four-week case, it said yesterday that the implications of the verdict for investigative journalism in the future 'will be profound'. Mr Adams's reputation was at the core of the case, with the BBC maintaining that the public believed him to have been a senior member of the IRA for many years. The broadcaster's barrister, Eoin McCullough, had said: 'If a person has the reputation of having been in the IRA or on the army council, or having presided over a campaign in which many people were killed, they should not be awarded damages on account of the allegation that the final order for one more murder lay with him.' However, the jury found that the words used in the documentary, and a follow-up online news article, were defamatory, and awarded €100,000 to restore Mr Adams's reputation. Speaking outside court, Mr Adams – who has said the money will be given to charity – told the waiting media that he had flaws in his character, but that he had 'always been satisfied with my reputation'. He continued: 'From my perspective, taking this case was about putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation. I know many, many journalists. I like to think that I get on well with most of them… 'But 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.' Mr Adams said he was mindful that Mr Donaldson's family had to 'watch all of this'. He called on Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to meet with the Donaldson family 'as quickly as possible'. Mr Adams's legal team had said the programme was reckless journalism, based on an unverified allegation from a single anonymous source. The BBC had countered that the claim was presented as an allegation and not a fact, and that it was corroborated by five other sources including the security services.
Sunday World
8 hours ago
- Sunday World
Criminal gang linked to fake licences were also selling bogus road certificates
Huge implications for public safety as it emerges scores of motorists have no licences or road-worthy cars A criminal gang rumbled for running a 'cash-for-licence' driving scam were also offering fake MOT (Ministrt of Transport) certificates, we can reveal. And it has further emerged that several dissident republicans from west Belfast have been identified as being behind the fake licences scandal. Last week, we revealed how a criminal investigation had been opened into a worrying racket which saw around 80 fake licences revoked following claims they had been obtained without the drivers having to sit the test. Now it has emerged that as well as dodgy driving licences being allegedly 'bought', drivers were also able to purchase an MOT certificate for cars that were never even put through the rigorous MOT test. Mechanic examining under the car at the repair garage. Low angle view. High quality photo News in 90 Seconds - May 31st It means not only were there scores of illegal drivers who potentially may never have even taken a lesson let alone a driving test on the roads of Northern Ireland, but there may have been dozens of cars not fit for purpose out there too. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she was 'extremely concerned' by the revelations. Speaking at Stormont, the Sinn Féin MLA did not provide further details on the extent of the alleged fraud. 'There is a legal investigation. I think it would be remiss of me to comment on that, to allow that process to take its course,' she said. 'But obviously I'm extremely concerned to learn about that and I hope that we see a conclusion to that very quickly.' The Sunday World has uncovered further details about the scam including how the gang began operating towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Liz Kimmins. Photo: Pacemaker 'This was a well thought-out criminal enterprise which exploited the restrictions of the pandemic,' said a source. 'When people weren't allowed to leave their houses and everything went online there was an opportunity to exploit the DVA licence system. 'But it wasn't just driving licences – fake MOTs could be bought for £150. It was all about knowing the right people who could pull the strings.' Several of those who availed of the service came from the Lenadoon area of west Belfast and sources have told the Sunday World some of them had criminal backgrounds and some were known dissident republicans. However, those benefiting from the fake licences weren't restricted to west Belfast and were mostly living in the greater Belfast area. As revealed last week, one person from the DVA has been removed from their position as a result of the discovery of the scam. As well as a police investigation, the DVA have opened their own internal investigation into how the scam was carried out under their noses. In fact, they have even set up an internal investigations unit and made it clear to staff working for them that they are duty-bound to report any suspicious activity. Last Tuesday, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly's infrastructure committee, said the 'implications for road safety are huge'. 'Effectively that means that, right now in Northern Ireland, there are potentially people who are driving with a licence without having sat their test,' she told the Assembly. DUP's Deborah Erskine. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty She also said it was 'important that assurances are given immediately to the A ssembly and to the public on how it is being handled'. A Department for Infrastructure official told the Sunday World last week: 'As this matter is subject to a PSNI investigation we cannot comment at this time.' A PSNI spokesperson told us: 'Police are investigating a number of alleged fraud offences in relation to the issuing of driving licences. We are working closely with officials from DVA and as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.' In the last few weeks the DVA has been sending out letters to people they suspect may have obtained their licence fraudulently – telling them they must send them back and reapply to do the driving test again. And we understand some drivers have already reapplied and passed the test. Our source said they were not required to sit the theory test. 'It's no wonder they were able to get a licence again so quickly as they have been driving without doing a driving test for so long,' the source said. 'They've had plenty of practice.' The letter stated: 'The Department is not satisfied that the test pass certificate (certificate number) issued to you on (date in May 2024) was validly obtained by you. 'Therefore, the department is not satisfied that you have passed a test of competence as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1981 and in those circumstances the Department may not grant you a full driving licence. 'The Department is therefore satisfied that the full driving licence issued to you on (date in May 2024) was issued in error and hereby notifies you... your Northern Ireland driving licence is revoked with effect from five working days after the date shown above.' Those receiving the letters were told they must surrender both parts of their licence within seven days and were advised to use registered post and retain proof of postage. The letter states: 'Failure to surrender a licence without reasonable excuse as an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. If you fail to surrender your driving licence as directed DVA may contact the PSNI who will be asked to recover the licence. 'You should be aware that it is an offence to retain or use either or both parts of a licence which has been declared lost or stolen.' They were further informed if they want a replacement licence they would have to apply for it from the beginning including the fees. And they warned: 'You should be aware that you're only entitled to hold a provisional driving licence.'
Sunday World
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Sunday World
BBC expected to appeal Gerry Adams defamation finding as legal bill set to hit €3m
The former Sinn Féin president was awarded €100,000 in damages over the contents of a BBC Spotlight programme and BBC website article which a jury found meant he had sanctioned and approved the murder of informer Denis Donaldson. Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth, with producer Imelda Lynch (left) and journalist Jennifer O'Leary (right) outside the High Court in Dublin. Photo: PA Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin after he was awarded €100,000 in damages against the BBC. Photo: PA The BBC is likely to appeal a jury finding that it defamed Gerry Adams as it faces a potential legal bill of €3m after losing the High Court action. The former Sinn Féin president was awarded €100,000 in damages over the contents of a BBC Spotlight programme and BBC website article which a jury found meant he had sanctioned and approved the murder of informer Denis Donaldson. Following the verdict, Mr Adams said he took the case to put 'manners' on the BBC, but he faced sharp criticism from the Donaldson family for bringing the action to trial. In a statement, it claimed Mr Adams had 'prioritised his own financial and reputational interests over any regard for retraumatising' the family. As our legal team made clear, if the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it is hard to see how anyone's could The corporation has yet to make an official comment about a potential appeal, but an informed source told the Irish Independent it was actively assessing its options in respect of challenging the verdict. Director of BBC Northern Ireland, Adam Smyth, said the implications of the jury's decision were 'profound' and that the BBC's lawyers had warned it would hinder freedom of expression. 'As our legal team made clear, if the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it is hard to see how anyone's could,' he said. The trial judge, Mr Justice Alexander Owens, said he could not think of a reason why Mr Adams should not be awarded his costs against the BBC, but will hear submissions on the issue next Tuesday. Mr Justice Alexander Owens. Photo: PA Each side in the case, which ran for just over four weeks, is thought to have legal costs of around €1.5m. In relation to the cost of the case, Mr Smyth said: '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.' Appeal grounds are likely to include a ruling made by the judge which meant the BBC was unable to call witnesses to testify from their own specific knowledge of events that Mr Adams was a senior IRA leader. Mr Adams has always denied the claim. Instead the BBC was restricted to only calling evidence that Mr Adams' general reputation was that of an IRA leader. A further ground of appeal is likely to be that the jury was asked to consider whether the words complained of were published 'in good faith'. The jury found that they weren't. But the BBC contended the question should not have been put to the jury as it was not an issue pressed by Mr Adams' side in the trial. The quantum of damages, in circumstances where Mr Adams admitted his reputation was that of an IRA leader, is also viewed as a potential ground. Speaking outside the court, Mr Adams said he 'very happy' and that from his perspective, 'taking this case was about putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation'. Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth, with producer Imelda Lynch (left) and journalist Jennifer O'Leary (right) outside the High Court in Dublin. Photo: PA Mr Adams claimed the BBC 'upholds the ethos of the British state in Ireland' and, in his view, was 'out of sync on many, many fronts with the Good Friday Agreement'. Mr Adams also said he was very mindful of the Donaldson family during the trial and called on Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to meet with them. However, Mr Donaldson's daughter Jane hit out at Mr Adams. Her father, a former IRA man and Sinn Féin administrator in Stormont, was shot dead at a remote cottage in Glenties, Co Donegal in April 2006, four months after it was revealed he had been an informer for police and MI5 since the 1980s. No one has ever been brought to justice and Mr Adams has denied any knowledge or involvement in the murder. Jane Donaldson was called as a witness by the BBC but this was objected to by Mr Adams' lawyers and the judge ruled that the jury would not hear her evidence. She called for an urgent official inquiry into her father's murder. In a statement on behalf of the family, Ms Donaldson said: 'By reducing events which damaged our lives to a debate about damage to his reputation, the plaintiff has trivialised our family tragedy.' In the Spotlight programme, a former British agent within Sinn Féin and the IRA, known only as Martin, said he believed Mr Adams sanctioned the murder. The BBC did not argue this was true and said it was only presented as an allegation published 'in good faith'.
Belfast Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Gerry Adams has won this one case, but he will still be haunted by the 1,700 dead victims of IRA violence
Sinn Féin translates a ruling on one allegation into exoneration of republican movement's campaign of violence Gerry Adams gets to add another footnote to his biography. The former Sinn Féin leader can say he was defamed by a claim he sanctioned the murder of a British agent at the heart of his party's operation.
