Menu
02/06/2008
Stone's 'Art Attack' QC Dismissed
Loyalist killer Michael Stone has dismissed from his legal team the man who originally offered one of the most unusual pleas ever entered in any such case.
Stone's defence lawyer Arthur Harvey, QC, said in December 2006 that he had received instructions from Stone that the incident, which caused chaos at Stormont and led to the evacuation of Parliament Buildings, was not intended to endanger the life of anyone.
"It was, in fact, a piece of performance art replicating a terrorist attack," said Mr Harvey.
The 53-year-old convicted killer burst into Parliament Buildings allegedly carrying explosives and a knife in November 2006.
He now faces 14 charges, all of which he denies, including trying to kill Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
However, despite a long period of working for Stone, Arthur Harvey QC has now said it was no longer possible for him or his junior counsel to represent Stone.
He said there had been "an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship between counsel and client".
Belfast Crown Court also heard that Stone wants to retain his defence solicitor.
The case has been adjourned until Friday to allow him time to find new counsel.
Stone attempted to enter Stormont during a key debate on devolution but was held back by security staff.
See: Michael Stone remanded over Stormont attack
(BMcC)
Stone's defence lawyer Arthur Harvey, QC, said in December 2006 that he had received instructions from Stone that the incident, which caused chaos at Stormont and led to the evacuation of Parliament Buildings, was not intended to endanger the life of anyone.
"It was, in fact, a piece of performance art replicating a terrorist attack," said Mr Harvey.
The 53-year-old convicted killer burst into Parliament Buildings allegedly carrying explosives and a knife in November 2006.
He now faces 14 charges, all of which he denies, including trying to kill Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
However, despite a long period of working for Stone, Arthur Harvey QC has now said it was no longer possible for him or his junior counsel to represent Stone.
He said there had been "an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship between counsel and client".
Belfast Crown Court also heard that Stone wants to retain his defence solicitor.
The case has been adjourned until Friday to allow him time to find new counsel.
Stone attempted to enter Stormont during a key debate on devolution but was held back by security staff.
See: Michael Stone remanded over Stormont attack
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2019
Loyalist Killer Michael Stone Must Spend Longer In Prison
Notorious loyalist killer Michael Stone is to remain in prison until 2024 before he can be considered eligible for release, according to a new High Court ruling. Judges held that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had wrongly determined that the bomber would now be eligible to seek freedom from jail.
Loyalist Killer Michael Stone Must Spend Longer In Prison
Notorious loyalist killer Michael Stone is to remain in prison until 2024 before he can be considered eligible for release, according to a new High Court ruling. Judges held that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had wrongly determined that the bomber would now be eligible to seek freedom from jail.
11 April 2019
Quarry Water A 'Stone Cold Killer'
A new campaign has been launched warning of the dangers of swimming on disused quarries. As the Easter holidays and summer period approaches the likelihood of good weather brings additional risks, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said.
Quarry Water A 'Stone Cold Killer'
A new campaign has been launched warning of the dangers of swimming on disused quarries. As the Easter holidays and summer period approaches the likelihood of good weather brings additional risks, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said.
08 December 2008
Loyalist Killer Gets 16 Years For Stormont Attack
Convicted loyalist killer, Michael Stone - who was found guilty of attempted murder last month - has today been jailed for 16 years. He was convicted for trying to murder Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at Stormont. Mr Justice Deeney delivered his judgment during November in a non-jury case heard at Belfast Crown Court.
Loyalist Killer Gets 16 Years For Stormont Attack
Convicted loyalist killer, Michael Stone - who was found guilty of attempted murder last month - has today been jailed for 16 years. He was convicted for trying to murder Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at Stormont. Mr Justice Deeney delivered his judgment during November in a non-jury case heard at Belfast Crown Court.
14 November 2008
Stone Guilty
The convicted loyalist killer, Michael Stone has been found guilty of attempted murder. Mr Justice Deeney delivered his judgment today in a non-jury case heard at Belfast Crown Court. Stone was found guilty of trying to kill Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at Stormont's Parliament Buildings (pictured here) in November 2006.
Stone Guilty
The convicted loyalist killer, Michael Stone has been found guilty of attempted murder. Mr Justice Deeney delivered his judgment today in a non-jury case heard at Belfast Crown Court. Stone was found guilty of trying to kill Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at Stormont's Parliament Buildings (pictured here) in November 2006.
16 February 2007
Michael Stone remanded over Stormont attack
Loyalist killer Michael Stone has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Belfast Magistrates Court earlier today. Stone, 51, is charged with trying to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness following his attempt to attack Stormont buildings in east Belfast in November last year.
Michael Stone remanded over Stormont attack
Loyalist killer Michael Stone has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Belfast Magistrates Court earlier today. Stone, 51, is charged with trying to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness following his attempt to attack Stormont buildings in east Belfast in November last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
