Gerry Kelly's Libel Case Against Journalist Dismissed
Sinn Féin representative Gerry Kelly's defamation lawsuit regarding allegations made by author Malachi O'Doherty on the radio that Kelly shot a prison guard in 1983 was dismissed by the Belfast High Court as "scandalous, frivolous and vexatious."
The court pronounced that Kelly's legal action was likely intended to silence criticism rather than to clear his name.
Kelly, implicated in the Maze Prison escape and subsequent shooting of officer John Adams but acquitted in 1987, alleged O'Doherty's 2019 remarks harmed his political reputation.
However, O'Doherty countered, given Kelly's known IRA past and his previous prison sentences, including for the 1973 Old Bailey bombings, his reputation could not be further damaged.
The judgement concluded that Kelly's own writings on the incident made it difficult to deny his liability for the shooting. Consequently, the defamation case was deemed baseless and was struck out.
O'Doherty expressed relief over the ruling, noting the significant financial risk to his personal assets had he lost. The case was identified as a SLAPP lawsuit—legal actions meant to intimidate and overwhelm critics.
The National Union of Journalists praised the court decision, highlighting the significant chilling effect such lawsuits have on journalism. The NUJ hopes the clear language of the ruling will deter further SLAPP actions.
Kelly, implicated in the Maze Prison escape and subsequent shooting of officer John Adams but acquitted in 1987, alleged O'Doherty's 2019 remarks harmed his political reputation.
However, O'Doherty countered, given Kelly's known IRA past and his previous prison sentences, including for the 1973 Old Bailey bombings, his reputation could not be further damaged.
The judgement concluded that Kelly's own writings on the incident made it difficult to deny his liability for the shooting. Consequently, the defamation case was deemed baseless and was struck out.
O'Doherty expressed relief over the ruling, noting the significant financial risk to his personal assets had he lost. The case was identified as a SLAPP lawsuit—legal actions meant to intimidate and overwhelm critics.
The National Union of Journalists praised the court decision, highlighting the significant chilling effect such lawsuits have on journalism. The NUJ hopes the clear language of the ruling will deter further SLAPP actions.
