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Summary of evidence in Gerry Adams libel case to continue

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams pictured outside the High Court in Dublin
Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams pictured outside the High Court in Dublin

The jury in a defamation case taken by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams will return to court tomorrow to continue hearing a summary of the evidence by presiding judge Mr Justice Alex Owens.

The jury is expected to begin considering its decision this week.

Mr Adams claims he was defamed in a 2016 Spotlight programme and a subsequent online article, which he said falsely claimed that he sanctioned the killing of former senior Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson was shot dead in Co Donegal in 2006, months after admitting being an informer for the police and MI5 over two decades.

In 2009, dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing and a garda investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Mr Adams claims he was subject to a "grievous smear" while the BBC has described the legal action as a "cynical attempt to launder his reputation".

He is seeking damages of at least €200,000 from the BBC.

However, the broadcaster has argued it would be a "cruel joke" to award Mr Adams any damages.

Mr Justice Owens is taking the jury through the evidence which was heard in the case during the previous four weeks.

When the judge concludes his remarks, the jurors will be sent out to begin their deliberations.

The jury will be asked to decide whether the words in the Spotlight documentary and the online article meant Mr Adams sanctioned and approved Mr Donaldson's murder.

It will also be asked to decide what the words mean to a reasonable member of society and whether the BBC acted in good faith and was fair and reasonable in its story.

If the jury agrees with Mr Adams’ legal team on what the words mean and rejects that the BBC acted in good faith, they will then be asked to decide on damages.

He has previously said that he would donate any damages to good causes.

Additional reporting PA