Lawyers for three republicans convicted of providing terrorist training to Colombian guerrillas expressed hope today that the verdict would be overturned after a member of the three-judge panel said questioned the evidence that was allowed in court.

Hardline unionists tonight warned the Northern Ireland peace process has suffered a hammer blow after a guerrilla deserter claimed IRA members provided weapons and explosives training to Colombian rebels.

Three suspected IRA members were moved to a high-security jail yesterday over fears for their safety.