ADAMS AWARDED €100K LIBEL WIN

BBC sued after spy killing order broadcast Decision by jury is a 'full vindication'

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

THE BBC has been ordered to pay former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams €100,000 after he won a “resounding” libel victory over the broadcaster.

He launched legal action over an episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement.

A jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour yesterday.

The panel also found the BBC's actions were not in good faith and it had not acted in a fair and reasonable way.

Mr Adams' legal team said the verdict of the jury was a “full vindication” for their client while the BBC said it was “disappointed” with the outcome.

Mr Donaldson was shot dead in Co Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent over 20 years.