Three men injured in IRA bombings have filed a civil suit against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams in London's High Court. John Clark suffered injuries in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London. Jonathan Ganesh was hurt in the 1996 Docklands bombing in London. Barry Laycock was injured in the 1996 Manchester Arndale shopping centre bombing. The claimants seek one pound in vindicatory damages and allege Adams held a leadership role in the Provisional IRA Army Council at the time of the attacks.

Gerry Adams denies any membership in the Provisional IRA. Adams has rejected all such allegations consistently. He plans to testify this week. The trial before Mr Justice Swift is set to conclude this week, with judgment to follow in writing.

Journalist John Ware testified based on his reporting during the Troubles. Ware produced a 1983 ITV documentary on Adams after his election as west Belfast MP. Sources for the programme included former and serving Provisional IRA members. Ware stated those sources viewed Adams' denials of IRA membership as hypocritical. They noted Adams supported the armed struggle but avoided personal responsibility through his denials.

Ware said evidence from his sources indicated Adams served on the IRA Army Council for over 30 years, ending in 2005 with a disarmament agreement. Under cross-examination, Ware confirmed he holds no first-hand knowledge of who authorised the specific bombings in the case.

Retired army commander Brigadier Ian Liles also gave evidence. Liles, aged 71, cited intelligence reports from the time of the Docklands and Manchester bombings. Those reports stated Adams approved the attacks to pressure the British government. Liles said the 1996 bombings required Adams' oversight and approval. He added reports alleged Adams authorised a 1978 firebomb attack on the La Mon Hotel in Northern Ireland, where 12 people died.

Liles testified that informers provided regular updates on Adams and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as prime intelligence targets. Under cross-examination, Liles rejected suggestions that intelligence was provided maliciously and affirmed his testimony stemmed from his duties.

Sinn Féin MPs John Finucane and Dáire Hughes attended the proceedings. Finucane stated witnesses offered no direct first-hand evidence linking Adams to the three bombings. He described the evidence as opinion, rumour, and hearsay. Finucane noted testimony on false information from British intelligence agencies and RUC Special Branch.