Will of 'top British agent' in IRA sealed for 70 years

THE will of a man reported to have been the top British agent in the IRA is to be sealed for 70 years, the High Court ruled yesterday.

- By Callum Parke

Freddie Scappaticci was thought to be the spy known as Stakeknife.

He changed his name to Frank Cowley in 2020 and always denied the claims. He died at 77 in 2023.

Sir Julian Flaux, Chancellor of the High Court, ordered his will’s contents should not be made public.

The judge said it is the first time a court has ordered that a will should not be available for public inspection, as it would usually be, except for Royal Family members.