The BBC faces mounting criticism for failing to pay court-ordered damages to former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams months after losing a major defamation case. The corporation was ordered to pay €100,000 (£84,000) plus legal costs following a High Court ruling in Dublin.
The case centred on a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme and accompanying online article that alleged Adams sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson. Adams denied any involvement and successfully sued the broadcaster for defamation.
Jury finds against BBC
In May, a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in Adams's favour after determining the programme and article carried the defamatory meaning. The jury also ruled that the BBC had not acted in good faith nor in a fair and reasonable way during the case.
Adam Smyth, director of BBC Northern Ireland, expressed disappointment with the verdict. He said the corporation believed it had supplied extensive evidence of the careful editorial process and journalistic diligence applied to the programme and online article.
Appeal abandoned in June
Following the decision, the BBC's legal team was granted a stay on paying the full award whilst considering an appeal. The broadcaster was required to pay half the damages (€50,000 or £42,000) and €250,000 (£210,000) towards solicitors' fees during this period.
However, the BBC confirmed in June that it would not pursue an appeal. Despite this decision, it is understood that by 1st August the corporation had still not paid the damages owed to Adams.
Donations planned for Gaza children
Adams previously indicated he planned to donate his award to good causes. He specified these would include children in Gaza as well as groups in the Irish language sector and those who are homeless.
A source close to Adams told PA: "The delay by the BBC is deplorable and it should move speedily towards discharging the order of the court." A BBC spokesperson said: "Total costs will be finalised and payable in due course."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
