A former IRA member testified in London's High Court that a photograph from a 1971 funeral shows Gerry Adams wearing a beret, indicating membership in the organization. Shane Paul O'Doherty stated no one outside the IRA would wear such headgear at the time. He described the image as depicting Adams in an honour guard at IRA volunteer Michael Kane's funeral in Belfast.

O'Doherty, who conducted letter bomb campaigns for the IRA in London and served over 14 years in prison, said he was suspended from the group for questioning civilian killings. He left the IRA in 1977 and called for an end to armed struggle. O'Doherty claimed proximity to Martin McGuinness at Army Council meetings but admitted no direct knowledge of Adams' role in the 1973 or 1996 bombings.

The civil claim against Adams comes from three men injured in IRA attacks: John Clark in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, Jonathan Ganesh in the 1996 London Docklands blast, and Barry Laycock in the 1996 Manchester Arndale bombing. The claimants state Adams held a senior position in the Provisional IRA, including on its Army Council, at those times. They seek £1 each in damages. Adams denies any IRA membership or involvement.

Jonathan Ganesh, a security guard at South Quay during the Docklands explosion, described being knocked down and suffering perforated eardrums. He received £1,000 from the criminal injuries compensation scheme for shrapnel wounds and a later PTSD diagnosis with treatment. Ganesh said his pursuit of the case followed Adams' legal action against the UK Government. He denied targeting Adams due to the Legacy Act and focused on recovery over prior compensation claims.

Barry Laycock, then 56 and working at Manchester Victoria station, said the Arndale blast threw him into a wall, causing severe pain. He reported a 1997 PTSD diagnosis, degenerative back injuries, and ongoing nightmares. Laycock linked his delayed action to financial issues and another claim until 2017, plus Adams' government lawsuit. He seeks establishment of the truth regarding Adams' IRA ties.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson and MP Gregory Campbell observed proceedings from the public gallery. Robinson stated Adams was in the IRA and a court finding of liability would hold major significance. James Robottom represents Adams, and Anne Studd KC represents the claimants. The trial before Mr Justice Swift continues and is set to end next week.