'Dignity for Ashling, myself, our families and for all victims who deserve to have their voices heard'

Boyfriend of murdered teacher hails end of legal battle with BBC

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

THE boyfriend of murder victim Ashling Murphy has welcomed a resolution with the BBC in his defamation case against them - calling it the "end of a long and difficult chapter".

Ryan Casey issued High Court defamation proceedings against the BBC over criticism on its political programme The View by journalist Kitty Holland of his victim impact statement at the trial of Jozef Puska.

However, yesterday both sides reached an agreement, with the BBC stating while it stands behind its journalism in the episode, it is "happy to clarify that it does not consider Ryan Casey to be a criminal or a racist, or someone guilty of or attempting to incite hatred, or someone seeking to pose as a hero of the far right through his victim impact statement".

And in a statement released to the Irish Daily Star, Mr Casey said he was glad to be at the end of the long process, which he felt left him silenced and censored.

He added: "Today marks the end of a long and difficult chapter of frustration and censorship.

"I took this legal action against the BBC not solely out of anger, but out of a need for accountability and dignity for Ashling, for myself, our families, and for all victims who deserve to have their voices heard without such harsh criticism or judgment.

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