Gerry Adams: BBC will not appeal libel case victory

The BBC has confirmed that it will not be appealing Gerry Adams’ libel case victory.

The former Sinn Féin leader sued the corporation over a 2016 BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight story and online article on the murder of British agent Denis Donaldson.

Last month, a jury found Mr Adams, 76, was defamed when it was alleged by an anonymous contributor that he sanctioned the 2006 killing and awarded him €100,000 (£84,000) in damages.

The combined legal costs of both parties is estimated at between €3-5m (£2.5-4.2m), according to sources with knowledge of the case.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We have given careful consideration to the jury’s decision.

“We will not be appealing its verdict, bringing this matter to a conclusion. We remain committed to public interest journalism and to serving all BBC audiences.”