HATCHET JOB

Adams says BBC claims in spy murder doc bogus | Ex-Sinn Fein slams 'bad journalism' at corporation

- GRAINNE NI AODHA

GERRY Adams labelled a BBC programme an "attempted hatchet job" and called some of the events which were detailed "bogus and wrong".

The former Sinn Fein leader is suing the corporation over what he asserts are defamatory claims made in a 2016 Spotlight programme on who sanctioned the killing of British spy Denis Donaldson.

Sinn Fein member Mr Donaldson, 55, was shot dead at a cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006, months after being exposed as an informer.

Mr Adams has denied the allegation that he had any involvement in ordering the murder.

Yesterday, the jury was shown the documentary which featured an interview with an anonymous source who said he was a former agent for the Special Branch.

The source, referred to as "Martin" claimed that Mr Donaldson's shooting had been sanctioned by the leadership of the republican movement.

Journalist Jennifer O'Leary said during the broadcast it was understood that by 2006 Mr Adams had stepped aside from the IRA Army Council but it was Martin's belief that he was still being consulted.