RTE win libel action

The jury in the Beverly Cooper Flynn libel trial is has decided in favour of RTE.

The jury of four women and eight men returned just after 4.40 and were asked for their answers on three questions.

The first question was whether RTE showed in the course of their broadcast, that Beverley Cooper Flynn induced James Howard to avoid paying tax and not avail of the tax amnesty by investing in an offshore scheme. The jury answered no to this question.

They were next asked whether Ms Cooper Flynn had induced others to invest in the scheme. They said she did.

The third and final question was whether RTE had caused Beverly Cooper Flynn suffering as a result of the broadcast. The jury answered no.

Costs in the case, which are expected to be in the region of IR £1 million, will be decided upon next Tuesday week.