Jury rules TD's reputation suffered no material damage

A jury today did not award Ms Beverley Cooper-Flynn damages in her libel action against RTÉ.

Ms Beverley Cooper-Flynn

The Co Mayo TD took the libel action against RTÉ; journalist Charlie Bird and a retired farmer, Mr James Howard, of Wheaton Hall, Drogheda, Co Louth.

During the 28-day case Ms Cooper-Flynn claimed she was libelled in a series of RTÉ reports on her involvement with the CMI investment scheme between June 19th, 1998, and July 1st, 1998. She claimed the television broadcasts alleged she had sold financial products to assist tax evasion.

The jury found RTÉ did not prove its allegations that she had sold CMI products to the retired farmer, Mr James Howard.

But the jury did find she had encouraged or advised other persons to evade tax.

The jury, therefore, ruled that Ms Cooper-Flynn's reputation had suffered no material injury due to the broadcasts.

As a result the jury found that no damages would be awarded to Ms Cooper-Flynn.

The presiding judge, High Court President Mr Justice Frederick Morris, will decide costs on Monday or Tuesday in the first week of April.