Witnesses refuse to testify in Loyalist trial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four men called to give evidence for the prosecution in a case involving murder and other offences by a Loyalist group yesterday refused to answer questions in court.
They were held in contempt of court by a Belfast judge who told them he would deal with them in a few weeks' time.
The case is against 14 men who face a range of charges arising from the activities of the Ulster Volunteer Force. One of the four had given statements to police about a paramilitary beating.
The bulk of the evidence so far has been given by a "supergrass", former UVF member Robert Stewart, who testified they had been involved in a murder and other crimes.
During days of cross-examination Stewart confirmed he had been given a light sentence in exchange for his testimony. He agreed he had been an alcoholic and had used drugs. He admitted having sex with underage girls, agreeing with defence suggestions that he was "a right nasty piece of work".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments