Stephen Nolan receives apology in court over social media posts

Broadcaster Stephen Nolan has received an unreserved apology over a “deluge” of social media posts accusing him of being “involved in sectarianism and of inciting hatred and violence in Belfast”.

A statement was read out at the High Court in Dublin on Thursday morning.

A lawyer for businessman Eddie Barrett, from Tralee in County Kerry, said his client’s posts on X, formerly Twitter, had been “completely misguided and reckless”.

The statement added: “I appreciate that, given the subject matter, they were dangerous and could have had serious ramifications for Mr Nolan.”

Mr Barrett published the material on X between February and April 2021.

The statement continued: “I acknowledge Mr Nolan’s accomplished position as an independent journalist and regret my very personal attack on him.

“I apologise unreservedly to Mr Nolan for any hurt caused or harm done to his good name.”

In a statement, Mr Nolan vowed to continue to “take a stand” against online trolls who “smear journalists by circulating malicious lies”.

It went on: “These individuals set out to aggressively destroy and instil fear in people like me and then attempt to avoid responsibility when held to account.

“Not every journalist or citizen has the means to bring proceedings.

“Accordingly, for those who have the ability to do so, we have a duty to stand tall against intimidation.”