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In the mid-1990s, authorities stormed a London residence and detained Michael Gallagher accused of IRA involvement. His girlfriend, an English academic working in mathematical physics, was stunned and angry.

She could not believe that her intellectual boyfriend – a ex-government worker who supported people with addiction issues – might be participating with the IRA. He had even amazed her by solving a cryptic crossword in merely a few moments.

Legal Accusations

Gallagher was formally charged with plotting to assist Irish republicans launch bombings at a key transport hub in 1994. While these attacks led to no casualties, they produced significant chaos.

She mustered financial support and backing from others to proclaim her partner's lack of guilt. In spite of her campaign, he was sentenced of involvement in explosive devices and was given a 20-year imprisonment.

Aside from a handful of others, I hardly tell anyone,” Attenborough commented. “It wasn’t something I was particularly pleased with because he had deceived me.”

Revealing the Truth

Now, nearly 30 years afterward, the couple continue to be in a relationship and have co-written a book that reveals Michael was, actually, responsible.

Gallagher had been involved with republican activities who assisted multiple operations, including the Heathrow attack. He hid the reality from his partner and only confessed following his sentencing, leaving her devastated.

Post-Release

After his release under the terms of the peace accord, the couple relocated to rural County Donegal and started a digital company, which they continue to run.

The memoir, titled Unbroken: Deception, Truth and Lasting Love, changes viewpoints between the both and delays the admission of his actions until following his conviction.

I believe Michael is not a terrible man, he is a very good person,” Attenborough stated. “Merely didn’t put me first, and it is unclear if I consider that treachery. He had no malicious intent.”

Background and Relationship

They first encountered each other in the mid-1980s through networks that backed Britain’s striking coal miners and campaigned against South Africa’s apartheid.

Attenborough, hailing from the West Midlands, held a advanced degree in mathematical physics. Gallagher, of Scottish origin, was an budding literary figure and recovering alcoholic.

Gallagher had family connections to Northern Ireland and performed errands for republican groups, arranging housing, travel and identification for IRA members in the UK.

The Deception Revealed

Gallagher kept secret his involvement from Attenborough, who favored Irish political unity but opposed militant approaches.

I had given a commitment to the organization and a pledge to Attenborough and I believed I could manage both – I could to manage both,” he commented.

Security forces singled out him as a suspect who had entered a storage facility with remnants of incendiary substances. They monitored him and bugged the residence for almost two years, concluding in the pre-dawn raid at their Earl’s Court home on 28 October 1996.

Later Realizations

During many months – during her prison visits and the trial in the late 1990s – Gallagher held onto his truth.

It was impossible share with her because if she knew at that time, she would have had to inform others: ‘Don’t bother seeking sureties for Gallagher because he is involved,’” he stated. “That was absolutely an awful experience.”

The hope of being found not guilty supported his false story until the court ruled he was responsible. Soon afterward, when she came to see him to talk about possible legal challenges, he confided his involvement.

In the beginning, I could not decide if to trust his words,” Attenborough recalled. “I thought, so, whose story of the reality was correct?”

Emotionally shaken, she contemplated terminating the partnership, but in subsequent visits she accepted Gallagher’s explanations and understood his clandestine activities.

Clearly I disapproved with his participation with the organization. Yet, it was not such a major part that he performed.”

Final Revelations

During the authorship of their publication, Gallagher disclosed one more long-hidden truth to his partner: when he rapidly finished the puzzle in her copy of a newspaper, he had earlier completed it in his own copy.