BBC programme at centre of Gerry Adams’ defamation case would 'probably' not have breached broadcasting regulations

Independent media consultant told court he believed 'Spotlight' programme would not be found to be unjust or unfair to Mr Adams

Gerry Adams claims the 'Spotlight' programme and a related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning British agent Denis Donaldson’s killing at a cottage in Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

An expert witness has said a BBC programme at the centre of Gerry Adams’ defamation action against the broadcaster “probably” would not have breached British broadcasting regulations.

Independent media consultant Christopher Banatvala was giving evidence at the High Court on the fourth week of a civil trial hearing into the former Sinn Féin leader’s action.