Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Following the very clear High Court judgement today in Gerard Kelly-v-Malachi O’Doherty, in which Kelly’s libel action was struck out, I am calling on the Director General of the National Crime Agency to initiate recovery proceedings against Kelly arising from income generated by his memoir publications, “The Escape” and “Playing My Part”.
“Not only did today’s judgement excoriate Gerry Kelly and his non reputation, but it underlined the availability of recovery of such exploitative proceeds. It is but right, under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Part 7) that those who seek to benefit from their criminal exploits should be held to financial account.
“I might add it was refreshing to read a judicial finding (para 87) that Kelly, the Old Bailey bomber, has “lost his moral compass as he places little value on human life because he is prepared to take risk with their lives as collateral damage.”
“With this damming judicial verdict Kelly should be removed forthwith from the Policing Board.”
Dear Mr Biggar,
Re: Gerry Kelly MLA
I write to urge NCA recovery of exploitation proceeds made under publication of criminal memoirs by Mr Gerry Kelly, believing that the qualifying conditions are met under Part 7 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
The memoirs in question, which deal with Mr Kelly’s terrorist exploits, are “The Escape” and “Playing My Part”.
I refer you to a judgement today in the High Court in Northern Ireland, Gerard Kelly-v-Malachi O’Doherty:
Within this judgement, which involves the striking out of attempted libel proceedings by Mr Kelly, you will note careful and useful references to Mr Kelly’s terrorist career upon which the aforesaid publications seek to capitalise.
Recovery of exploitation proceeds would seem wholly appropriate and a timely reminder to terrorist practitioners of the consequences of such attempts to gain from glorying in their exploits.
I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Allister KC MLA