Decision not to prosecute Sinn Fein president Adams to be reviewed
A DECISION not to prosecute Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams over allegations he withheld information on his sex abuser brother is to be reviewed.
Attorney General for Northern Ireland John Larkin has been asked to examine the evidence relating to Liam Adams as he awaits sentencing for six years of rape attacks on his daughter Aine in the 1970s.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said it had asked for a review.
A spokesman said: “The director of public prosecutions, Barra McGrory, QC, recognises there has been considerable public interest surrounding the decision not to prosecute Gerry Adams in relation to an allegation that he withheld information in connection with the case.
“While the director has confidence in the evidential decision taken by the PPS prior to his appointment, he has asked the Attorney General to independently review the matter.”
The review was launched after Gerry Adams, a member of Parliament in the Irish Republic and a former West Belfast MP, said that with hindsight he could have handled the allegations of sexual abuse of his niece by his brother differently.
Liam Adams will be sentenced on November 5 in Belfast after being found guilty by a jury last month.
Mr Adams claimed he co-operated fully with the Northern Ireland authorities in relation to allegations over his brother. He has insisted the police were aware of the claims as far back as 1987.
Mr Adams has faced criticism for not going to the police sooner after his brother confessed to him in 2000 but did not make a statement to the police until 2009.