23/07/2009

Haddock Charged Over 1997 Murder

Convicted loyalist Mark Haddock has been charged with the murder of a man more than 12 years ago.

Haddock appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court this morning accused of killing John Harbinson in May 1997.

The man was handcuffed and beaten to death by a UDA mob on the loyalist Mount Vernon estate.

Forty-year-old Haddock also faced further charges relating to the attempted murder and GBH of another man.

An officer from Historical Enquiries Team told the court he could connect Haddock to the charges.

The former UVF leader is currently serving a 10-year jail term for attacking a club door man.

Earlier this year he was charged with the murder of UDA chief Tommy English back in 2000.

The latest charges against Haddock were investigated under Operation Ballast, a result of former police ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's report into alleged loyalist and security service collusion in north Belfast.

(PR/JM)

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