Setback for Scappaticci in bid to clear name

A British High Court bid to force Northern Ireland minister Jane Kennedy to face a cross-examination from lawyers over the Stakeknife affair was rejected today.

Freddie Scappaticci, who in May was accused of being the British army’s most prized spy at the heart of the IRA, had hoped to clear his name by compelling Ms Kennedy to appear in court.

The 59-year-old from west Belfast has strenuously denied allegations that he passed on high grade intelligence material to British army handlers.

Mr Scappaticci had hoped the security minister would confirm under cross-examination that he was not a spy.

Lawyers for the minister argued it was British government policy not to confirm or deny the identity of agents.

His bid was turned down today by the Lord Chief Justice in Northern Ireland, Sir Robert Carswell, who also threw out an application for the discovery of government documents on press allegations that he was an IRA spy.

Mr Scappaticci was granted leave last month for a judicial review of the minister’s refusal to exonerate him.

That hearing will take place on Friday.