22/02/2012
Nine Acquitted Of Tommy English Murder
Nine men accused of murdering UDA leader Tommy English have been aquittted.
This includes the alleged former UVF leader in North Belfast, Mark Haddock.
Verdicts have been delivered today in what is being hailed as one of the longest and most expensive trials in Northern Ireland’s legal history.
Neil Pollock, 36, of Fortwilliam Gardens in Belfast was convicted of processing items intended for terrorism. While 12 out of the 13 were acquitted of all charges.
The trial lasted 71-days and ended last month: it relied on the evidence of brothers Robert and Ian Stewart.
The judge said: "These are witnesses of very bad character who have lied to the police and to the court; on some occasions wrongly implicated a number of men who were clearly not present at the crimes suggested".
The judgement was understood to be over 100 pages long but the judge read an abbreviated version to the court.
Commenting on the verdict in the UVF supergrass trial, Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said: "At the outset of this process we raised serious concerns about the decision to proceed with a supergrass trial and the quality of this PSNI investigation. This process has done nothing to bring truth and closure to the victims families of the Mount Vernon UVF."
The 13 men appeared in court during the trial charged with more than 30 offences.
The accused include Mark Haddock (43), Maghaberry Prison, David Miller (40), Upritchard Court, Bangor, John Bond (45), Essex Court, Carrickfergus, Darren Stuart Moore (42), Mount Vernon Park, Belfast, Alexander Thomas Wood (35), Milewater Way, Newtownabbey, Jason Loughlin (36), Bryson Court, Newtownabbey, Ronald Trevor Bowe (35), Ross House, Belfast, Samuel Jason Higgins (36), The Meadow, Antrim, Neil Pollock (36), Fortwilliam Gardens, Belfast, David Samuel McCrum (32), Beechgrove Drive, NewtownabbeWilliam Hinds (47), Ballycraigy Gardens, Newtownabbey, Mark Thompson (37), Ballyvesey Green, Newtownabbey and Phillip Laffin (34), Bridge Street, Antrim.
(LB)
This includes the alleged former UVF leader in North Belfast, Mark Haddock.
Verdicts have been delivered today in what is being hailed as one of the longest and most expensive trials in Northern Ireland’s legal history.
Neil Pollock, 36, of Fortwilliam Gardens in Belfast was convicted of processing items intended for terrorism. While 12 out of the 13 were acquitted of all charges.
The trial lasted 71-days and ended last month: it relied on the evidence of brothers Robert and Ian Stewart.
The judge said: "These are witnesses of very bad character who have lied to the police and to the court; on some occasions wrongly implicated a number of men who were clearly not present at the crimes suggested".
The judgement was understood to be over 100 pages long but the judge read an abbreviated version to the court.
Commenting on the verdict in the UVF supergrass trial, Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said: "At the outset of this process we raised serious concerns about the decision to proceed with a supergrass trial and the quality of this PSNI investigation. This process has done nothing to bring truth and closure to the victims families of the Mount Vernon UVF."
The 13 men appeared in court during the trial charged with more than 30 offences.
The accused include Mark Haddock (43), Maghaberry Prison, David Miller (40), Upritchard Court, Bangor, John Bond (45), Essex Court, Carrickfergus, Darren Stuart Moore (42), Mount Vernon Park, Belfast, Alexander Thomas Wood (35), Milewater Way, Newtownabbey, Jason Loughlin (36), Bryson Court, Newtownabbey, Ronald Trevor Bowe (35), Ross House, Belfast, Samuel Jason Higgins (36), The Meadow, Antrim, Neil Pollock (36), Fortwilliam Gardens, Belfast, David Samuel McCrum (32), Beechgrove Drive, NewtownabbeWilliam Hinds (47), Ballycraigy Gardens, Newtownabbey, Mark Thompson (37), Ballyvesey Green, Newtownabbey and Phillip Laffin (34), Bridge Street, Antrim.
(LB)
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23 February 2012
Prosecutors Defend Supergrass Trial
Police and prosecutors are today defending their decision to bring the so-called supergrass trial to court. Twelve men walked free yesterday after a 71-day trial that will more than likely cost the taxpayer millions of pounds.
Prosecutors Defend Supergrass Trial
Police and prosecutors are today defending their decision to bring the so-called supergrass trial to court. Twelve men walked free yesterday after a 71-day trial that will more than likely cost the taxpayer millions of pounds.
08 December 2016
Joe Reilly Murder: Man Arrested
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Joe Reilly. Mr Reilly, 43, was shot at his home in the Glenwood Court area of Poleglass, west Belfast, on 20 October. Police detained the suspect in the Newtownabbey area on Thursday, 08 December. He has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
Joe Reilly Murder: Man Arrested
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Joe Reilly. Mr Reilly, 43, was shot at his home in the Glenwood Court area of Poleglass, west Belfast, on 20 October. Police detained the suspect in the Newtownabbey area on Thursday, 08 December. He has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
06 September 2011
Muted Protest At UVF Court Case
Security around Belfast's Laganside Courthouse is being tightened up this morning as the first so-called 'supergrass-styled' trial to be held in Northern Ireland for well over two decades is due to begin.
Muted Protest At UVF Court Case
Security around Belfast's Laganside Courthouse is being tightened up this morning as the first so-called 'supergrass-styled' trial to be held in Northern Ireland for well over two decades is due to begin.
03 January 2017
Man Seriously Attacked In South Belfast
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously attacked in south Belfast. The assault occurred at a property in the Wauchope Court area on New Year's Eve. The man, aged in his 20s, is being treated in hospital. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Man Seriously Attacked In South Belfast
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously attacked in south Belfast. The assault occurred at a property in the Wauchope Court area on New Year's Eve. The man, aged in his 20s, is being treated in hospital. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
24 October 2014
Police Appeal After 'Shot Fired' In North Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after reports of a shot being fired in north Belfast. No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident in the Farringdon Court area on Thursday. Police are keen to establish what happened and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
Police Appeal After 'Shot Fired' In North Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after reports of a shot being fired in north Belfast. No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident in the Farringdon Court area on Thursday. Police are keen to establish what happened and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.