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News · 23 July 2026

Ex-BBC journalist awarded £20,000 after MI5 unlawfully took his data

Ex-BBC journalist awarded £20,000 after MI5 unlawfully took his data

A specialist tribunal has awarded former BBC journalist Vincent Kearney £20,000 in damages after MI5 unlawfully obtained his communications data. The Security Service admitted it breached Mr Kearney's rights, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Metropolitan Police also made concessions. Judges found the interferences were numerous and took place over several years, with £10,000 awarded from both MI5 and the PSNI.

Reported by The Standard · How we write briefs

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