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15/05/2002
Johnny Adair released from prison
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, has been released from prison.
The prominent Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) chief walked free from Maghaberry prison on Wednesday morning to a crowd of around 100 supporters who cheered as he got into a vehicle and drove away.
Adair, 38, from the Shankill Road in west Belfast, was sentenced in 1996 to 16 years imprisonment for directing terrorism by the UFF.
He was freed under licence in September 1999, under the early release scheme which was part of the Good Friday Agreement peace accord. However this was revoked by the then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson who returned Johnny Adair to prison after police intelligence indicated that he was involved in heightening tensions during a violent loyalist feud in August 2000.
One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, has insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
However, Mr Adair’s release comes as violent sectarian rioting in north Belfast continues to break out on an almost nightly basis, with police trying to keep rival factions apart.
SDLP representative for north Belfast Martin Morgan has spoken out about Mr Adair’s release.
“The release of Johnny Adair comes at a time when the communities in north Belfast are on tenterhooks.
“Johnny Adair now has two options. He can use his influence to lead the loyalist community even deeper into the abyss of violence. Alternatively he can use his influence to play a positive role and lead the loyalist community away from violence and encourage them to engage with others to solve the problems that exists or those that are perceived.”
(AMcE)
The prominent Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) chief walked free from Maghaberry prison on Wednesday morning to a crowd of around 100 supporters who cheered as he got into a vehicle and drove away.
Adair, 38, from the Shankill Road in west Belfast, was sentenced in 1996 to 16 years imprisonment for directing terrorism by the UFF.
He was freed under licence in September 1999, under the early release scheme which was part of the Good Friday Agreement peace accord. However this was revoked by the then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson who returned Johnny Adair to prison after police intelligence indicated that he was involved in heightening tensions during a violent loyalist feud in August 2000.
One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, has insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
However, Mr Adair’s release comes as violent sectarian rioting in north Belfast continues to break out on an almost nightly basis, with police trying to keep rival factions apart.
SDLP representative for north Belfast Martin Morgan has spoken out about Mr Adair’s release.
“The release of Johnny Adair comes at a time when the communities in north Belfast are on tenterhooks.
“Johnny Adair now has two options. He can use his influence to lead the loyalist community even deeper into the abyss of violence. Alternatively he can use his influence to play a positive role and lead the loyalist community away from violence and encourage them to engage with others to solve the problems that exists or those that are perceived.”
(AMcE)
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17 January 2003
Adair granted leave for review of jail decision
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair’s legal bid to overturn an order by the Secretary of State sending him back to prison passed its first hurdle in the Belfast High Court today. After hearing legal argument, Mr Justice Kerr ruled that Adair could apply for a judicial review of Mr Murphy's decision.
Adair granted leave for review of jail decision
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair’s legal bid to overturn an order by the Secretary of State sending him back to prison passed its first hurdle in the Belfast High Court today. After hearing legal argument, Mr Justice Kerr ruled that Adair could apply for a judicial review of Mr Murphy's decision.
09 October 2001
UFF leader drops legal battle for freedom
The jailed leader of loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, Johnny Adair has abandoned a legal case in a bid to be released from Maghaberry jail. Lawyers acting for Mr Adair had been due to apply for a judicial review at Belfast High Court as part of a legal challenge to have him released from prison.
UFF leader drops legal battle for freedom
The jailed leader of loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, Johnny Adair has abandoned a legal case in a bid to be released from Maghaberry jail. Lawyers acting for Mr Adair had been due to apply for a judicial review at Belfast High Court as part of a legal challenge to have him released from prison.
18 February 2003
Adair's legal challenge over jail decision fails
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair has failed in his bid to reverse the Secretary of State's decision to send him back to jail. At the High Court in Belfast today, Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell, denied Adair leave to seek a judicial review of Paul Murphy's decision – which he described as "fair".
Adair's legal challenge over jail decision fails
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair has failed in his bid to reverse the Secretary of State's decision to send him back to jail. At the High Court in Belfast today, Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell, denied Adair leave to seek a judicial review of Paul Murphy's decision – which he described as "fair".
14 May 2002
Johnny Adair set to be released from jail
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, who is due to be freed from jail on Wednesday May 15, will be a force for good, it was claimed today. One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
Johnny Adair set to be released from jail
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, who is due to be freed from jail on Wednesday May 15, will be a force for good, it was claimed today. One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
23 April 2010
McAleese Offers Hope, Despite Bomb
The Irish leader has been giving her vision of the future of Ireland. Despite an overnight dissident bomb attack on a border police station, President Mary McAleese delivered the fourth annual Chancellor's Lecture at the University of Ulster and looked ahead positively to the future.
McAleese Offers Hope, Despite Bomb
The Irish leader has been giving her vision of the future of Ireland. Despite an overnight dissident bomb attack on a border police station, President Mary McAleese delivered the fourth annual Chancellor's Lecture at the University of Ulster and looked ahead positively to the future.
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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.
