BBC claims it had 'multiple credible sources' for Gerry Adams allegation

Gerry Adams claims the 'Spotlight' programme and a related BBC article defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning the Provisional IRA’s killing of British agent Denis Donaldson

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin, where he is bringing a legal action against the BBC over allegations about the murder of an MI5 spy. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The BBC had “multiple, authoritative, credible, confidential” sources corroborating information provided by an anonymous contributor to a documentary at the centre of a defamation action brought by Gerry Adams, lawyers for the broadcaster have told the High Court.

The former Sinn Féin leader claims the BBC Spotlight programme and related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning the Provisional IRA’s killing of British agent Denis Donaldson in 2006. The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams.