31/05/2005

Former UDA chief refused bail

Former east Belfast UDA chief Jim Gray has been refused bail in the High Court over fears that he could flee the country if released.

The 47-year-old, who is charged with possessing and concealing criminal property and money laundering and denies the charges, was arrested near Banbridge in Co Down on 7 April along with his girlfriend Sharon Moss.

The Judge told Mr Gray’s defence team on Tuesday that he could not be certain the defendent would not flee if released on bail.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has said that the fundamentals of the Good Friday Agreement remain valid and that the most serious obstacle to progress was ongoing criminality and paramilitary activity.

“The process is moving forward. The question is if we can get to the point where all of those concerned see some real point in engaging in proper negotiations that will require, amongst other things, an end to paramilitary violence,” Mr Hain said.

“If we can crack that problem then I think we can be in business for very fruitful negotiations, leading to a solution."

(MB/SP)

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

13 March 2006
Lawyer considers client's 'overexposure'
The lawyer of a senior north Belfast loyalist has warned that he may report the Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, and an unnamed Sunday newspaper editor to the Attorney General for over exposure of his client. Ihab Shoukri, from Alliance Road, was today remanded on continuing bail charged two counts of being a member of the UDA/UFF.
20 September 2013
Woman Charged With Murder Of Toddler
A 27-year-old woman arrested over the death of a three-year-old boy in Lisburn has been charged with his murder. Brendan Owens was found dead on 4 July at a property in Trinity Terrace, Lisburn. A post-mortem examination was carried out on the infant at the time, but it is understood the results were inconclusive.
22 March 2006
Man charged in connection with Enniskillen rape released on bail
A 49-year-old taxi driver has appeared at Fermanagh Magistrates Court, charged with the rape of a teenager in Enniskillen on Monday. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies raping the 17-year-old girl. The detective leading the case old the court that he believed that he could connect the accused, to the crime.
09 May 2017
Investigation Launched After Two Sexual Assaults At Park In L'Derry
Police have launched an investigation after two alleged sexual assaults on teenage girls at a park in L'Derry. The separate attacks happened at St Columb's Park last weekend and the PSNI believe there is no link between the incidents. A 20-year-old man arrested following a suspected rape on Sunday has been released on bail.
25 October 2006
Policewoman released on bail after shooting colleague
A PSNI officer charged with the attempted murder of a colleague which she had an affair with, has today been released on bail. Diane Marie Northcott, 40, whose address was given as Newtownabbey police station, appeared in Belfast High Court earlier today charged with shooting colleague Laurence Smyth in their place of work in September this year.