Three men injured in Provisional IRA bombings discontinued their civil claim for £1 in damages against former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams. The High Court in London received the announcement on Friday at the close of the two-week trial.

John Clark sustained injuries in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London. Jonathan Ganesh was injured in the 1996 London Docklands bombing. Barry Laycock received injuries in the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester. The claimants alleged Adams held a senior position in the Provisional IRA, including on its army council, during the incidents.

Anne Studd KC, counsel for the claimants, informed the court the case would end with no costs order following overnight developments tied to an abuse of process issue. Mr Justice Swift stated any further remarks by the claimants could be made outside court and approved the consent order.

Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president from 1983 to 2018, testified earlier in the trial. He denied any role in the bombings, any prior knowledge of them, and membership in the Provisional IRA or its army council.

Adams described Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA as distinct entities. He noted that Sinn Fein critics had attempted to merge the two. On Tuesday he expressed satisfaction that the IRA had ended operations.

Edward Craven KC, representing Adams, submitted that proof of his client's role in the attacks was minimal. He contended the action was filed too late and constituted misuse of court procedures. The claimants attributed their delay to unawareness of remedies, costs, injuries, and reprisal fears.

Adams did not appear in court on Friday.