A BELFAST judge yesterday refused to overturn the prison sentence of Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair, Northern Ireland’s notorious Loyalist leader.

The family of a Belfast man shot dead by the RUC ten years ago have begun legal action against Lord Chief Justice Robert Carswell, the highest-ranking judge in the North.

The British House of Lords is to be asked to decide whether the re-election of David Trimble as Northern Ireland First Minister last November was valid, it was announced tonight.

A fresh judicial investigation into the murder of Belfast solicitor Patrick Finucane will be held in the New Year, the British government said tonight.

Lawyers representing a key witness in the trial of the man accused of murdering Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have said their client could commit suicide if he is forced to give evidence.