Léargas

  London Civil Case - Thank you for your support The Civil Case against me in London came to an end last Friday when the Claimants and their lawyers accepted a  ‘drop hands settlement of the extant claim on the conditions that: 1.      the Claimants file and serve a Notice of Discontinuance by 10 am 20 March 2026; and 2.      that there be no order for costs’ In other words, they accepted an offer, made by me the previous evening, that they discontinue their claim. I instructed my legal team to make the offer because it was apparent at the end of day eight of the trial that the claimants case, as presented by McCue and Jury, the lawyers for the claimants, was in serious trouble. I gave them a way out.  After hearing from 11 witnesses, and my two days of evidence, it was clear that the claimants case was not built on evidence but relied on rumour, speculation, opinion, belief, and propaganda. It was a rehash of last years’ ...

  London Civil Case coming to an end This week I spent Lá Féile Pádraig in Derry/London. As you read this my time in the Royal Courts of Justice should be coming to an end. Regrettably, the court case prevented me from joining in the St Patrick’s festivities in Belfast or here. I am assured the London Irish have a vibrant, hugely enjoyable celebration of Irish music, culture and language so good luck to all the Paddys and Patricias. The civil case is expected to conclude on Thursday, although, that could slip. The case is based on hearsay and alleged intelligence claims made by witnesses who could provide no documentary supporting evidence. So far it has provided a platform for some highly offensive, insulting and untruthful commentary. What the Judge makes of all of this we will know when he delivers his judgement; although that might not be for some time yet. I want to thank my legal team and all of those who have offered their support and solidarity over recent weeks. As I said ...

  Dia daoibhse from London I’m writing this week’s column in London. Today, Monday, I’m in the Royal Courts of Justice in a civil case that has been brought against me by three claimants, innocent victims, who were injured in three IRA bomb attacks in 1973 and 1996. They are alleging that I was party to those attacks. There was a small crowd of former British soldiers outside the Court and some in the court room itself. There were also some people with tricolours showing their support. Today the legal teams for the claimants and for me made their opening submissions. My legal team set out logically and clearly my position. In summary, they said that I have consistently rejected claims that I was in the IRA. In this case I am also stating emphatically and unequivocally that I had no involvement in the three bomb attacks.  There will inevitably be a lot of media reporting of the case but it is important to point out that the case against me does not contain a single pi...