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24/11/2004
Former paramilitary's home up for auction
The first public sale of a criminal's property by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland was set to go ahead on Wednesday.
The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former loyalist paramilitary.
Johnston, 45, a member of the outlawed Red Hand Commando, was shot dead in the driveway of his home at Crawfordsburn during a loyalist feud in May 2003.
Commenting on today’s auction, Alan McQuillan, Assistant Director of the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland, said: "This auction is a very visible reminder that the extensive powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act are effective in taking the profit out of crime.
“This is the first of what will be a continuous stream of assets taken out of the hands of criminals and used for the benefit of everyone in the community.
"We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure that those who attempt to prosper from crime are hit where it hurts, in their pockets."
Other properties which include seven additional houses in Northern Ireland, commercial premises in Belfast and a holiday home in Co Sligo will be disposed of over the coming months while the investment portfolio is currently being liquidated.
The agency, which began work last year, is modelled on the Republic of Ireland's Criminal Assets Bureau, which was set up in 1996 after the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
(MB/GMCG)
The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former loyalist paramilitary.
Johnston, 45, a member of the outlawed Red Hand Commando, was shot dead in the driveway of his home at Crawfordsburn during a loyalist feud in May 2003.
Commenting on today’s auction, Alan McQuillan, Assistant Director of the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland, said: "This auction is a very visible reminder that the extensive powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act are effective in taking the profit out of crime.
“This is the first of what will be a continuous stream of assets taken out of the hands of criminals and used for the benefit of everyone in the community.
"We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure that those who attempt to prosper from crime are hit where it hurts, in their pockets."
Other properties which include seven additional houses in Northern Ireland, commercial premises in Belfast and a holiday home in Co Sligo will be disposed of over the coming months while the investment portfolio is currently being liquidated.
The agency, which began work last year, is modelled on the Republic of Ireland's Criminal Assets Bureau, which was set up in 1996 after the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
(MB/GMCG)
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House sale ensures crime does not pay - Pearson
The home of a murdered loyalist paramilitary leader which was seized by the Assets Recovery Agency has been auctioned for £410,000. The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former drug dealer.
House sale ensures crime does not pay - Pearson
The home of a murdered loyalist paramilitary leader which was seized by the Assets Recovery Agency has been auctioned for £410,000. The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former drug dealer.
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Gardaí Seize 2m Contraband Cigarettes
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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.
