Scappaticci court action fails

A legal attempt to force British NIO minister for security Jane Kennedy to confirm or deny that the man named by the media as the British agent known as 'Stakeknife' failed in Belfast High Court this week.

Presiding Judge Robert Carswell dismissed the application for a judicial review and supported the British government's practice of not commenting on intelligence matters. Lawyers acting for Freddie Scappaticci said they would be considering an appeal.

Commenting, Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin said the judgement would have the effect of providing further cover for the activities of the faceless and unaccountable agencies who made these allegations.