Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has won a defamation case against the BBC.
Mr Adams claimed 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 Donegal in 2006, months after admitting being an informer for the police and MI5 over two decades.
The jury rejected the BBC's defence that it was fair and reasonable to broadcast the programme in the public interest.
The jury of 11 people awarded €100,000 in damages to Mr Adams after seven hours of deliberations.
Speaking outside court, Mr Adams answered a reporter's question saying: "I’ve always been satisfied with my reputation.
"Obviously, like yourself, we all have flaws in our character but the jury made the decision and let’s accept the outcome and let’s accept what the jury said."
Watch: Gerry Adams speaking to reporters outside court
"From my perspective, taking this case was about putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation," he said.
"I know many, many journalists. I like to think that I get on well with most of them. I get on well with the most of them and I wish you well…
"But the British Broadcasting Corporation upholds the ethos of the British state in Ireland and in my view, its out of sync in many, many fronts with the Good Friday Agreement," Mr Adams said outside court.
"It hasn't caught on to where we are on this island as part of the process, the continuing process, of building peace and justice and harmony and hopefully in the time ahead unity."
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Speaking outside court, director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth expressed disappointment in the outcome.
"We are disappointed by this verdict," he said.
"We believe we supplied extensive evidence to the court of the careful editorial processes and journalistic diligence applied to this programme, and to the accompanying online article.
"Moreover, it was accepted by the court and conceded by Gerry Adams' legal team that the Spotlight broadcast and publication were of the highest public interest.
"We didn't want to come to court but it was important that we defend our journalism and we stand by that decision.
"Our past is difficult terrain for any jury and we thank them for their diligence and careful consideration of the issues in this case.
"The implications of their decision, though, are profound. As our legal team made clear, if the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it is hard to see how anyone's could, and they warned how today's decision would hinder freedom of expression.
"Of course, a case of this importance, duration and complexity involves significant expense. In common with other media organisations, the BBC has insurance and makes financial provision for ongoing and anticipated legal claims."
He added they will take some time to consider the implications of the ruling.
Watch: BBC's Jennifer O'Leary speaking outside court
BBC journalist Jennifer O'Leary said: "I said in the witness box, I had nothing to hide, only sources to protect and I want to thank them for trusting me.
"I'm a big believer in trying your best in life and going about your business with integrity, and I want to pay a particular tribute to our witnesses in court, Senator Michael McDowell, Trevor Ringland, and in particular Ann Travers, who spoke so courageously," she said.
Additional reporting PA
