15/09/2003

Loyalist group issue death threat to priest

A death threat has been issued against a Catholic priest after he spoke out against damage done to his parish church and a nearby graveyard.

Father Dan Whyte, who is Parish Priest of St Mary's on the Hill in Glengormley, was informed of the threat from the Loyalist Action Force by police in the run up to a ceremony at Carnmoney graveyard yesterday.

It followed the desecration of a number of headstones at the graveyard prior to the blessing ceremony in Newtownabbey on Sunday.

Alliance Leader, David Ford condemned the threat. He said: "Father Whyte has served the people of this area for many years, active in the local community as well as his pastoral duties. All threats are to be condemned, but this one is particularly disgraceful.

"All those who claim influence with loyalists, including elected representatives and the members of the Loyalist Commission, must take action to have this threat removed immediately."

Following the blessing, around 200 loyalist protestors gathered at the ceremony to shout and jeer those attending.

A short time later two cars were hijacked and set alight while bricks and stones were thrown on the nearby O'Neill Road.

A 16-year-old youth who was arrested is due to appear in court in connection with the protest.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 March 2022
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
14 November 2006
Mayor accused of 'gagging' death threat debate
The Mayor of Craigavon has been accused of “gagging” a debate on a death threat against its Chief Executive last week. At the time, the Mayor, Kenneth Tywble condemned the threat, however later stopped the debate, stating legal advice as the reason.
29 February 2008
Ard Fheis Speech To Highlight Further 'UVF' Death Threat
An address at a Sinn Fein conference tonight will highlight a renewed death threat on the speaker, the father of a UVF murder victim.
22 May 2019
Loyalist Threat Against New Belfast Mayor
The new Lord Mayor of Belfast has told of how the police warned him that loyalists were planning to attack him at his home. Sinn Fein's John Finucane was elected Mayor on Tuesday evening, 21 May, and has revealed that the police came to his house and informed him of the threat later on that night.
09 September 2013
'Loyalist Threat' To Schools Condemned
Education Minister John O'Dowd has condemned an alleged threat from loyalist paramilitaries against Catholic schools in north Belfast.