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03/08/2001
Loyalist group claim responsibility for stab attack on sexton
It has been revealed that loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Defenders are behind an attack on a Carnmoney sexton only hours before murdered teenager Gavin Brett was laid to rest at the church.
The incident happened at Carnmoney Parish Church on Wednesday 1 August, not long before the funeral of the 18-year-old Protestant, who was murdered in north Belfast. The sexton was alerted to a number of individuals acting suspiciously in the grounds of the church, and when he went to investigate, he was attacked by two men. The clergyman sustained stab wounds, and was taken to hospital.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name that has been used in the past for the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, said it carried out the assault, which followed only days after they claimed responsibility for the death of Gavin Brett in a drive-by shooting on Sunday 28 July.
A private service was held in the family's home in Glengormley before the funeral cortege travelled to Carnmoney Parish Church. In a poignant gesture the funeral cavalcade passed the spot where Gavin was shot. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of teenagers from both sides who came to pay their respects. (CL)
The incident happened at Carnmoney Parish Church on Wednesday 1 August, not long before the funeral of the 18-year-old Protestant, who was murdered in north Belfast. The sexton was alerted to a number of individuals acting suspiciously in the grounds of the church, and when he went to investigate, he was attacked by two men. The clergyman sustained stab wounds, and was taken to hospital.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name that has been used in the past for the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, said it carried out the assault, which followed only days after they claimed responsibility for the death of Gavin Brett in a drive-by shooting on Sunday 28 July.
A private service was held in the family's home in Glengormley before the funeral cortege travelled to Carnmoney Parish Church. In a poignant gesture the funeral cavalcade passed the spot where Gavin was shot. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of teenagers from both sides who came to pay their respects. (CL)
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