Gerry Adams defamation case against the BBC to be heard next year

High Court reporters

A defamation action by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams against the BBC has been given a hearing date in April next year by the High Court.

Mr Adams (76) claims the BBC falsely alleged he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson, who worked for decades as a spy for the British, in Glenties, Co Donegal in 2006.

The case, which is to take place in the Four Courts on April 29th, 2025, centres on a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme in which Mr Adams claims the allegation was made and on an article on the BBC website.

The BBC denies defamation and claims the programme and publication were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest.

The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism and was the result of careful investigation.

At the High Court on Thursday, Mr Justice Alex Owens was told by Hugh McDowell BL, representing the BBC, that a number of witnesses would be involved in the case and some would have to travel from overseas.

Mr Justice Owens fixed April 29th for the case, which is expected to last up to three weeks.

The case has been delayed by hearings on preliminary issues and discovery of documents.

In July 2020, following a hearing on preliminary issues, Mr Justice Charles Meenan directed the BBC to make discovery of the various categories of documents Mr Adams claimed he needed for his case.

A separate application by Mr Adams seeking an order that the BBC provide further and better particulars of all material facts in support of the allegations was refused by the judge.

The BBC said these matters would be dealt with as part of the evidence in the case.

In March 2022, the High Court dismissed a bid by Mr Adams to strike out parts of the BBC's defence against his defamation action.