Menu
24/06/2003
Shoukri carried gun for ‘protection’
A leading loyalist from north Belfast has said that the handgun he was caught with was to protect himself from an opposing loyalist faction led by Johnny Adair.
Andre ‘The Egyptian’ Shoukri, 26, whose address was given as Sunninghill Gardens, is charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.
Appearing in Belfast Crown Court today, Mr Shoukri denied the charges, saying the gun was for his own personal protection following death threats he had received.
The weapon and a quantity of ammunition was discovered when the car he was travelling in was stopped and searched as he left the loyalist Rathcoole area in September last year.
Although he initially denied all knowledge of the weapon, it is understood that he later admitted to police that the weapon had been acquired as personal protection following a death treat from other loyalists.
The prosecution counsel, John Creaney QC, told Lord Justice McCollum that the threat did not entitle the accused to arm himself and he contended that Mr Shoukri had shown himself to be prepared to take “offensive” rather than “defensive” action.
Mr Shoukri faces charges relating to a total of four firearms offences.
(SP)
Andre ‘The Egyptian’ Shoukri, 26, whose address was given as Sunninghill Gardens, is charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.
Appearing in Belfast Crown Court today, Mr Shoukri denied the charges, saying the gun was for his own personal protection following death threats he had received.
The weapon and a quantity of ammunition was discovered when the car he was travelling in was stopped and searched as he left the loyalist Rathcoole area in September last year.
Although he initially denied all knowledge of the weapon, it is understood that he later admitted to police that the weapon had been acquired as personal protection following a death treat from other loyalists.
The prosecution counsel, John Creaney QC, told Lord Justice McCollum that the threat did not entitle the accused to arm himself and he contended that Mr Shoukri had shown himself to be prepared to take “offensive” rather than “defensive” action.
Mr Shoukri faces charges relating to a total of four firearms offences.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2003
Loyalist fails in court bid to overturn sentence
A leading loyalist has failed in his attempt to have a two-year jail sentence overturned. Andre Shoukri, from Sunningdale Gardens in Belfast, was jailed in July after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
Loyalist fails in court bid to overturn sentence
A leading loyalist has failed in his attempt to have a two-year jail sentence overturned. Andre Shoukri, from Sunningdale Gardens in Belfast, was jailed in July after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
01 July 2003
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
23 September 2002
Leading loyalist to appear in court
Leading north Belfast loyalist Andre Shoukri has appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court this morning charged with having a gun with intent to endanger life. Twenty-five-year-old Shoukri, who is believed to be the brigadier of the UDA in north Belfast, was arrested in Rathcoole, on the outskirts of Belfast, on Saturday.
Leading loyalist to appear in court
Leading north Belfast loyalist Andre Shoukri has appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court this morning charged with having a gun with intent to endanger life. Twenty-five-year-old Shoukri, who is believed to be the brigadier of the UDA in north Belfast, was arrested in Rathcoole, on the outskirts of Belfast, on Saturday.
26 March 2007
Ihab Shoukri back in jail
Loyalist leader Ihab Shoukri has been returned to jail over new charges relating to handling stolen property. Shoukri, 33, was arrested while on bail on charges relating to a police raid on a north Belfast bar.
Ihab Shoukri back in jail
Loyalist leader Ihab Shoukri has been returned to jail over new charges relating to handling stolen property. Shoukri, 33, was arrested while on bail on charges relating to a police raid on a north Belfast bar.
25 November 2008
No Paramilitary Burial For Shoukri
A funeral service for the 34-year-old former UDA boss, Ihab Shoukri, who died at the weekend, will take place in a church close to his family home later this week - without any paramilitary trappings.
No Paramilitary Burial For Shoukri
A funeral service for the 34-year-old former UDA boss, Ihab Shoukri, who died at the weekend, will take place in a church close to his family home later this week - without any paramilitary trappings.
-
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.
