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Gerry Adams at Leinster House on Wednesday where he asked for privacy for his family following his brother's conviction. Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

PSNI to re-examine Liam Adams trial transcripts

The testimony of Gerry Adams will be included in the re-examination

THE PSNI HAS confirmed it is to re-examine the transcripts of evidence given at the trial of Liam Adams including the testimony of his brother – Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.

Liam Adams was found guilty of raping and sexually abusing his eldest daughter, Áine Adams, more than 30 years ago at Belfast Crown Court this week.

Gerry Adams gave evidence during the first trial in April – which later collapsed due to legal reasons – that his brother had admitted sexually abusing Áine to him while out walking in Dundalk in 2000.

A brief statement from the PSNI said today: ”As we said at the policing board yesterday the transcripts of the court case will be re-examined and we will not be commenting further at this stage.”

Earlier, the PSNI confirmed that it had sent a file to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in 2010 recommending no prosecution for withholding information and “the PPS directed no prosecution”.

The statements came after PSNI assistant chief constable, Drew Harris, told the Northern Ireland Policing Board yesterday that the transcripts would be re-examined but cautioned that no new facts had emerged.

He said: “We will re-examine the transcript as you’ve suggested, but I think all the facts that were in all our knowledge in 2010 have not moved on materially since the recent trial.

At Liam Adams’ trial this week a jury of nine men and three women reached a majority verdict of 11-1 on three counts of rape, three counts of gross indecency and four counts of indecent assault which took place between 1977 and 1983.

Gerry Adams first reported the allegations to police in 2007 and told the PSNI again in 2009 ahead of the broadcast of a UTV Insight programme where Áine Adams waived her right to anonymity and went public about her abuse ordeal.

Earlier this week, Adams was repeatedly questioned by journalists about what he knew about his brother’s abuse and what contact he had with him and the police.

But the Sinn Féin president said he had “answered all those questions in some detail on a number of extensive interviews” and added: “I am not going to talk about any of these matters beyond what I’ve just said.”

WATCH: ‘I’ve said what I need to say’: Gerry Adams on brother’s conviction

Read: Gerry Adams asks for privacy following ‘difficult and distressing ordeal’

Read: Liam Adams found guilty of rape and sexual abuse

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43 Comments
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    Mute Jimmy
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    Oct 4th 2013, 4:33 PM

    Gerry “Hear no evil, see no evil” Adams strikes again….

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    Mute Adam Hurley
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    Oct 4th 2013, 4:53 PM

    I’m sure the Shinnerbots will be out in force to thumb this down. This post really does shed some light on the allegations and Gerry’s reaction/lack of action to them. http://sluggerotoole.com/2013/10/02/it-is-impossible-to-believe-that-any-other-political-leader-on-this-island-would-survive/

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:18 PM

    How does a member of a rival political party, such as yourself, posting a link to a blogger ‘shedding some light’?

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    Mute Adam Hurley
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:22 PM

    How is a Shinner, such as yourself, unable to read the links within the blog post. I guess you don’t believe the meeeja outside An Poblacht.

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:29 PM

    Me a Shinner?

    http://www.thejournal.ie/profile/48447/very-disappointed-sinn-fein-holding-firm-position-demanding-1650344/

    Voted Labour my entire life adam, but unlike yourself I put the people of Connolly ahead of the abomination the party has become.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:49 PM

    Adam, while I am caught for time and haven’t read the full blog something did strike me. An unrecorded oral admission of a crime isn’t worth the paper that it is written on. It’s one word against the other however when the victim gave a statement the second time Gerry also gave a statement and testified against his own brother in a British court.

    If the RUC their job properly some twenty years ago then Liam Adams would not have been on the streets. If British Intelligence had not interfered in the investigation then Liam Adams would not have been on the streets. If Liam Adams had not committed the crime in the first place this would have been all academic.

    So why is this case more about Gerry Adams rather than RUC/British incompetence and Liam Adams offences? Slugger O’Toole’s site asks that “commenters are urged to ‘play the ball and not the man’. It’s a pity that a lot more people didn’t take that attitude.

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    Mute Sean Collins
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    May 15th 2014, 6:07 PM

    Are you actually saying that the British protected Adams

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:32 PM

    Why does this involve Gerry Adams, people ask?…
    Gerry Adams was told of the abuse by his niece in 1987, he claims he believed her. He says he was estranged from his brother Liam Adams after that. But in fact, Liam Adams went forward for selection for Sinn Fein in County Louth. He then became a chair of a SF cumann in Lower Andersonstown, right on Gerry Adams’s doorstep. Estranged?
    Liam Adams worked with children for 2 years, from 1997 to 1999 in Dundalk, and again for another year, between 2003 and 2004. He then worked in Belfast with children for 4 years, from 1999 to 2003 and a further 2 years, 2004 until 2006. Gerry Adams was aware of this, and admits he was aware of this. He did nothing to stop his brother Liam Adams, whose daughter informed Gerry Adams of her rape, working with more children and young people, many of them vulnerable.
    Gerry Adams claims he notified Clonard Youth Project, where Liam Adams worked with children. Clonard Youth Project have checked their records, and issued a statement that they have no record of Gerry Adams notifying them and no one has backed Gerry Adams up on his claims.
    The police of course, the old RUC, handled the entire original incident inappropriately. With the PSNI, thankfully, it has been a different story and a just outcome, even though a late one.
    But I’m sorry people, Gerry Adams has questions to answer whether you like it or not. You cannot argue with that.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 8:02 PM

    Dave,

    He apparently informed a priest of his concerns but it seems that the information was not passed on or not recorded.

    Liam Adams would not have been employed in any youth work in the first place as he would not have passed the Pre Employment Consultancy Service (PECS) because if the RUC had done their job in 1987 he would have been convicted and jailed.

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 8:08 PM

    Why are you copy+pasting the same paragraphs in multiple threads?

    http://www.thejournal.ie/gerry-adams-liam-adams-conviction-1110948-Oct2013/

    http://www.thejournal.ie/gerry-adams-liam-adams-assault-1109873-Oct2013/

    Would the greater good not be served by you taking this information to the Gardai/PSNI and making a formal complaint?

    Follow on question, do you honestly think adams had a case to answer, y’know by the authorities insead of internet users with a chip on their shoulders, he’d be walking around right now?

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 8:28 PM

    Werejammin, I link the repeated posting of the same link is indicative of people who will read what they want to read and to them that’s Gospel. They don’t feel the need to read up on any other research to make an informed opinion backed up by credible information. It’s the old adage “Throw enough mud and some of it will stick”.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 8:29 PM

    I *think* the

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 9:20 PM

    There are far too many people on here blinkered by either their hatred towards Gerry Adams, or worse, their unwavering support to him no matter what he does. If you look at the facts, they speak for themselves and show Gerry Adams has plenty of questions to answer, whether people like that or not.

    Making personal attacks on people change nothing, and attempting to blame others and changing the subject doesn’t change anything either. The RUC has now been disbanded, and the PSNI is in it’s place, and it was the PSNI that eventually brought this case to court and brought it to justice. MI5 has nothing to do with investigating sexual abuse or rape – that’s what the Police are there for – and thus is not responsible for the prior failings of the RUC.

    Gerry Adams has a case to answer.

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 9:31 PM

    “Gerry Adams has a case to answer.”

    If the authorities, who are in possession of more evidence and information than you, decide he has a case to answer, I’m sure that they will do their utmost to make that happen. If you feel they do not have enough evidence or information you are free to use the confidential number and bring them up to spec.

    Have you done this?

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 9:48 PM

    “MI5 has nothing to do with investigating sexual abuse or rape” Exactly my point Dave.

    Then why were they there? Why did a social ask the mother of Aine Adams to meet the “police” in the City centre a few days later. Why were they (MI5/MI) involved at all?

    “Making personal attacks on people change nothing” and yet you continue to attack GA while brushing the involvement of shady elements of the British security services under the carpet.

    ” The RUC has now been disbanded, and the PSNI is in it’s place, and it was the PSNI that eventually brought this case to court and brought it to justice. MI5 has nothing to do with investigating sexual abuse or rape – that’s what the Police are there for – and thus is not responsible for the prior failings of the RUC.”

    The RUC was not disbanded it just changed it’s name and uniform and was reformed. Same crowd in a different wrapping. If you want to be an apologist for the RUC and MI5 handling of the case then that’s your choice, however if you want to see justice done in this case then you should be calling for those officers who should have been protecting a child rape victim and prosecuting him for his crimes to also answer questions. You said yourself that the RUC failed in their duty so who haven’t you called for them to be questioned?

    That’s a rhetorical question by the way seeing as you have already said “There are far too many people on here blinkered by either their hatred towards Gerry Adams, “

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    Mute Paul Fahey
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    Oct 4th 2013, 10:08 PM

    Brian – is there anything in your world you do not blame on something British? The fact is, whether your tribalism is willing to accept it or not Gerry Adams has not acted in accordance with the standards he set for the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. You consistently fail to mention that his niece withdrew the allegation very soon after she made it to the RUC and you have provided no answer for the fact he took 20 years to make a statement and that was only after UTV informed him they were to air a documentary. You accuse people of having a political agenda when you are blinded by political tribalism. It seems you are comfortable with deference to child rape and are happy to blame everyone and anyone other than Gerry Adams. What are your views on the victim stating she feels very let down by her uncle Gerry Adams?

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 10:16 PM

    Of course the RUC mishandled the original incident, I said that in my first comment for gods sake. But the RUC no longer exist, they have been replaced by a much more modern Police force in the PSNI, one that has clearly moved on with the times and left the RUC in the past. That’s why the PSNI, although belatedly, handled this case properly and brought it to justice for Aine Adams. As for MI5, of course there was collusion with the RUC and Unionist paramilitaries back 20,30 years ago. We all are aware of that know, and in no way am I apologising for them. But that is in the past, it’s over. The British government have apologised for that, and said it wouldn’t happen again. It hasn’t.

    But this article and discussion is about Gerry Adams, not the RUC.
    He only went to the PSNI about the incident in 2009 after a TV programme exposed his cover-up of his brother Liam Adam’s rape and sexual abuse of his daughter, which occurred between 1977 and 1983, and Gerry Adams informed of it in 1987. Why?

    He claims he informed the employers of Liam Adams – who at the time had access to vulnerable young children – but the organisation said otherwise, Gerry Adams never informed them. Why did he lie?

    His own niece – the victim in all of this – said in the TV programme she wanted no contact with Gerry Adams because he failed her and was more concerned about this incident not making the newspapers so as not to damage his political ‘career’. Is he more concerned about his own ‘image’ than a member of his family being raped?

    You are trying to change the subject to RUC/MI5, etc. and away from the real issue – Gerry Adams handling of all of his. Whether or not what he did was legal or illegal is one thing, but it is certainly NOT befitting of an elected representative in Dail Eireann, leader of a political party and member of Stormont. By right, he should either resign or be taken down by his own party.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 10:42 PM

    Paul look back at the comments that I have made over previous threads because I can’t be arsed having to repeat myself again to you.
    “You consistently fail to mention that his niece withdrew the allegation very soon after she made it to the RUC and you have provided no answer for the fact he took 20 years to make a statement” as I stated yesterday “Paul, he confronted his brother, she went to the RUC ,they weren’t interested, she withdrew her complaint as a result. What more can you do?” http://www.thejournal.ie/gerry-adams-liam-adams-assault-1109873-Oct2013/ I also mentioned her withdrawl here http://www.thejournal.ie/liam-adams-guilty-of-rape-1109383-Oct2013/
    so what are you on about????

    You accuse me of being ” blinded by political tribalism. ” I am not a member of any political party, have voted for all parties at one stage or another and this has nothing to do with politics. It’s about people singling out one person for the failings of many and trying to use them as a scapegoat. I would argue the same points for anyone else regardless of their political affiliations.

    “Brian – is there anything in your world you do not blame on something British?” Yes, if the offence occurred in the Republic I would blame the Irish police, social workers and who ever else was responsible. This offence occurred in a British ruled state involving State institutions governed by the British Government. Who do you want me to blame, the Taiwanese?

    ” happy to blame everyone and anyone other than Gerry Adams. ” Did Gerry Adams rape her? Did he tell the RUC to not investigate the case properly? Did he ask British spooks to get involved? Of all the people involved in this affair only one person has been singled out for criticism while people conveniently brush aside the failure of the State to protect a rape victim.

    As for your question about Aine Adams feeling left down by her Uncle, this is the first time that I have seen that so I will have to look it up and see what she what she said about him.

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 10:48 PM

    You can ramble on here all night about Gerry Adams, but it’s patently obvious to anyone he has plenty to answer for, and should not be in the position in society he is in today.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 11:06 PM

    Dave, I made no mention of collusion with Loyalist paramilitaries so I son’t know where you got that from.
    “You are trying to change the subject to RUC/MI5, etc. and away from the real issue”
    So the real issue is not the failure of the RUC, interference by MI5 or the NIDHSS, it’s all about Gerry. Why haven’t people called to account the fact that he (Liam Adams) admitted to his daughter Sinead in 2002 that he abused Aine? Why didn’t she go to the police? Why isn’t she being investigated?

    This is a political witch hunt, no more no less. Could he have handled it better? Probably could, however unless the victim is prepared to come forward and a competent police force is willing to prosecute it there is very little that he could do. If the RUC weren’t willing to act on direct information from the victim herself what chance would a statement of an oral conversation have had?

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 11:35 PM

    Like I said, ramble on all night if you want. But the fact is Gerry Adams should not be in the Dail or Stormont with this kind of behaviour. Legal or illegal. Sinead Adams isn’t going to possibly be the next Tanaiste, but Gerry Adams is. Any other Politician outside of Sinn Fein would have been either sacked or reigned by now, lord knows that’s happened for much less in other parties. Gerry Adams can’t stop talking when it concerns someone else, but when it’s him who’s in the spotlight, he doesn’t utter a word.

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    Mute Michael Allen
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    Oct 8th 2013, 9:25 PM

    Upright citizens in charge of Kincora, the very Reverend William McGrath and co. Those operating the Kincora child vice ring were eventually prosecuted in 1981, but no charges were ever brought against the elite VIP clientelle of the Kincora child abuse vice ring, which included, prominent buisnessmen, hanging judges and government officials who were never prosecuted for their exploitation and sexual abuse of young working class boys. In court it was found that the so called pillars of society running the home, were guilty of the RITUAL sexual abuse of defenceless young boys in their care, whom they exploited and sold to their VIP clientelle. The authorities relunctance to act against the Kincora paedophiles also may have been because of the proven MI5/special branch interest in the VIP clientelle of the Kincora child vice network. These powerful authortarian figures would prove useful and supportive of any RUC actions in the future, given the MI5 files complied on the Kincora clientelle. Many of the VIP clientelle who sexually abused and degraded young working class boys are still prominent members of Ulster society, still highly respected pillars of society, some still High court judges, magistrates etc, some even have roles which give them direct access to children, some are now governors of schools, some are doctors etc.

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    Mute Paul Wallace
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    Oct 4th 2013, 4:50 PM

    Blood on his hands and now this

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    Mute Dylan Dublin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:02 PM

    Gerry Adams is as guilty as his brother ! !

    Gerry Adams got away with so much over the years – he thinks that it will continue automatically !

    Time for someone to take a stance on this and action it .

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 5:14 PM

    “Gerry Adams got away with so much over the years”

    Like what?

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    Mute Alan Burke
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:20 PM

    What did he get away with?

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    Mute Jimmy
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:14 PM

    Murder

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    Mute werejammin
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:19 PM

    Whos murder?

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    Mute Dave
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    Oct 4th 2013, 11:54 PM

    Garda Inspector Samuel Donegan, 1972.
    Jean McConville, innocent mother of ten, 1972.
    Brian Stack, chief prison officer Portlaoise, 1983
    Tom Oliver, innocent farmer, 1991.

    …to name but a few…

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    Mute Jazz O'Gorman
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:02 PM

    Come on Gerry, we want the whole truth and nothing but the whole truth.

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    Mute Pauliebhoy
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    Oct 4th 2013, 4:32 PM

    Would be very surprised if anything comes out of this, political pressure will see to that

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:11 PM

    Paulie, it’s political pressure that is bringing about this review. Here’s a question that should be asked….

    Why were members of the British intelligence service either MI5 or Military Intelligence so interested in a case of child abuse? After all they were fairly quick themselves to cover up the goings on in the Kincora Boys Home child abuse sex ring that involved highly placed members of the Unionist and British Establishment. Did they get a sudden change of conscience?

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    Mute Bruce
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:32 PM

    The teflon don may have trouble ahead…..

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    Mute goon4life
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:42 PM

    Political pressure?if there was any way the British or Irish governments could blacken the name of any Sinn Fein member they would jump at the opportunity, truth is there is absolutely no case for Gerry Adams to answer. It’s disgusting the way some anti-Sinn Fein people will us the traumatic ordeal of a child for political reasons.

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    Mute Chuck Eastwood
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:52 PM

    Goon did you read or listen to anything about this case over the last few days. He knew about the abuse many years ago then spoke to the victim to try and tell her it was all ok because his brother was under a bit of pressure. Gerry Adams harboured a pedophile for many years.
    It’s disgusting in any mans book. Forget about the British or Irish government. He should be prosecuted at the very least. We bleat and moan about the church but when Gerry does it a lot of people go very quiet. Gutless cowards

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    Mute Paul Mc
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:00 PM

    Your full of gick chuck.

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    Mute goon4life
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:41 PM

    Chuck where did you get the information that he told his niece that it was ok that her father was under pressure and that he was covering up for a pedophile?..is this fact or conjecture??

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:43 PM

    ” Forget about the British or Irish government.” Yes Chucks lets forget about the British Government and it’s failure to prosecute a child rapist years ago. Lets forget about British Intelligence trying to turn the child victim of repeated rapes into an informant and agent of the British Government. Lets forget about the RUC not doing their job properly. Lets forget about the victim and concentrate on her Uncle because of who he is. Lets forget about the fact that people who have an anti Gerry Adams/Sinn Fein agenda are using the trauma of of a child rape victim to further their own agenda.

    In your own words “It’s disgusting in any mans book.”

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    Mute cormac flynn
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:54 PM

    Well said Brian. None of this sits well with me but this smacks of political opportunism. This is not black and white, in fact it’s all grey and fuzzy, even the law is fuzzy on it. I don’t know if its even a crime not to report a crime in another jurisdiction. If so what jurisdiction to you report it to and so on.
    If he didn’t report it you can be sure the reason is that this would happen. Media, pol parties etc would find a way to blame Gerry.
    Sympathies to Aine, the victim in the case in case people have forgot.

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    Mute Gerry McGuinness
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    Oct 4th 2013, 7:56 PM

    @goon, UTV documentary interview on Adams reaction. Admitting you knew about the abuse and didn’t report it is generally considered covering up for a pedophile.

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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Oct 4th 2013, 8:17 PM

    Gerry, the abuse was reported!!!!!!!! What part of that do you not understand??? It was reported in 1987 FFS. The RUC did nothing, nothing to help that girl even though they apparently did a medical exam that showed that a rape had occurred. If anyone could be accused of a cover up it’s the British security forces who tried to turn a frightened, traumatised young victim into an informer or else use the information to try to politically discredit Gerry Adams. In fact the British security services have history in that regard, just look up the Kincora Boys Home http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kincora_Boys’_Home .

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    Mute Seamus Garrity
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    Oct 4th 2013, 6:39 PM

    Well said Brian ward

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    Mute Jim Lenihan
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    Oct 4th 2013, 4:45 PM

    Did jerry know that

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