This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-46453695

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Stakeknife: Alleged IRA spy admits extreme pornography charges Stakeknife: Alleged IRA spy admits extreme pornography charges
(34 minutes later)
The man alleged to have been the Army's highest-ranking IRA agent has pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of extreme pornographic images.The man alleged to have been the Army's highest-ranking IRA agent has pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of extreme pornographic images.
Fred Scappaticci, 72, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday. West Belfast man Fred Scappaticci, 72, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The court heard the charges related to at least 329 images, including some involving animals.The court heard the charges related to at least 329 images, including some involving animals.
Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sentenced Scappaticci to three months in custody, suspended for 12 months.Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sentenced Scappaticci to three months in custody, suspended for 12 months.
She said: "You have not been before the court for 50 years - and that's good character in my book."She said: "You have not been before the court for 50 years - and that's good character in my book."
The charges span from October 2015 to January 2018.The charges span from October 2015 to January 2018.
The first charge was that he was in possession of 329 extreme pornographic images - understood to be mostly of women, but also of men and animals, although there were no images of children - on 9 January 2018.The first charge was that he was in possession of 329 extreme pornographic images - understood to be mostly of women, but also of men and animals, although there were no images of children - on 9 January 2018.
The second charge stated that he was in possession of extreme pornography between 6 October 2015 and 31 January 2018.The second charge stated that he was in possession of extreme pornography between 6 October 2015 and 31 January 2018.
Mr Scappaticci is alleged to have been the agent codenamed Stakeknife during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Mr Scappaticci, dressed in a blue fleece and green tracksuit bottoms, spoke briefly to enter his guilty pleas to the charges.
He has admitted, in the past, to being a republican, but denied that he was an IRA informer. The west Belfast man is believed to have led the IRA's internal security unit during part of Northern Ireland's Troubles.
The unit was responsible for identifying and interrogating suspected informers.
Mr Scappaticci has admitted, in the past, to being a republican, but denied that he was an IRA informer.
An investigation into his alleged activities - known as Operation Kenova - is being led by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, from Bedfordshire Police.