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During 1996, authorities stormed a London residence and arrested Michael Gallagher accused of Irish Republican Army operations. His partner, an English academic focused in mathematical physics, was stunned and outraged.

Attenborough could not believe that her intellectual partner – a one-time public employee who assisted homeless alcoholics – was participating with Irish republican militants. He had even impressed Attenborough by completing a challenging word game in merely record time.

The Charges

The accused was indicted with working to assist the IRA launch mortar attacks at a key transport hub in the mid-1990s. Although the incidents caused no injuries or deaths, they produced significant disruption.

She gathered financial support and campaign assistance to assert her boyfriend's non-involvement. Despite the support, Gallagher was convicted of plotting bomb attacks and was given a two-decade jail term.

“Other than a few of others, I barely inform anyone,” Attenborough stated. “It was not a matter I was particularly pleased with because Gallagher had lied to me.”

Admission of Guilt

Today, roughly 30 years later, the pair continue to be a couple and have co-written a book that confirms Gallagher was, truly, involved.

Gallagher had been involved with republican activities who assisted multiple operations, such as the Heathrow attack. He concealed the facts from his partner and merely admitted subsequent to his conviction, leaving Attenborough stunned.

After Incarceration

After his liberation under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday agreement, the pair relocated to rural County Donegal and set up a web development business, which they still operate.

Their book, called Unbroken: Hidden Facts, Deceit and Relationship, alternates perspectives between the both and delays the disclosure of his actions until post his trial.

I believe Michael isn’t a terrible man, he is a fundamentally good individual,” Attenborough stated. “He simply did not consider me above all, and I don’t know if I view it as treachery. It was not his purpose.”

History Together

Attenborough and Gallagher first encountered each other in the mid-1980s through networks that supported Britain’s striking coal miners and protested against South Africa’s apartheid.

Attenborough, hailing from Walsall, held a PhD in theoretical science. Gallagher, of Scottish origin, was an hopeful author and recovering alcoholic.

He had family connections to Northern Ireland and carried out occasional jobs for republican groups, handling lodging, travel and identification for IRA members in the UK.

Uncovering the Lies

He hid his activities from his partner, who favored a united Ireland but rejected IRA methods.

“I’d made a vow to the organization and a vow to Attenborough and I assumed I could manage both – it was possible to handle each,” he explained.

Law enforcement recognized Gallagher as a individual under investigation who had been to a building with evidence of bomb-making materials. Authorities placed him under surveillance and monitored the couple’s home for nearly 24 months, concluding in the surprise arrest at their Earl’s Court residence on 28 October 1996.

Aftermath and Reflection

For 16 months – including her meetings in jail and the legal proceedings in the late 1990s – he held onto his involvement.

It was impossible share with her because if I had revealed it at that time, she must have to inform my sister: ‘Do not trouble yourselves seeking guarantees for Michael because he’s guilty,’” Gallagher stated. “It was truly an awful time.”

The possibility of being found not guilty maintained his false story until the jury found him guilty. Shortly after, when Attenborough came to see him to mention possible legal challenges, he confided his actions.

Initially, I didn’t even know if to accept his admission,” she remembered. “I wondered, then, whose story of the reality ought I believe?”

Upset, she contemplated leaving the partnership, but in later meetings she took Gallagher’s regrets and understood his clandestine activities.

Clearly I didn’t agree with these actions with the IRA. But on the other hand, it wasn’t that big a role that he performed.”

Last Disclosures

During the creation of their publication, he disclosed a further long-hidden truth to his companion: when he rapidly solved the crossword in the newspaper of the Guardian, he had already completed it in a different version.