Adair ally defects to bitter rivals

BITTER enemies of Northern Ireland’s most feared sectarian warlord Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ Adair taunted him yesterday over the defection of one of his closest associates.

William 'Mo' Courtney has quit the group's Lower Shankill stronghold and teamed up with the leaders of the mainstream UDA who have threatened to kill Adair.

Until very recently Courtney had been Adair's number two in C Company of the Ulster Defence Association.

Courtney, who was questioned over the killing of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, is thought to have brought a cache of weapons and ammunition as part of his defection.

Adair was recently returned to prison for his part in the bitter feud within loyalism as well as running rackets, drugs and prostitution.

However, he is still controlling his empire from his cell at Maghaberry jail.

He is becoming increasingly isolated with more of his trusted lieutenants thought to be planning to jump ship to save their lives.

One senior UDA source said last night: "The only safe place for Adair is in jail and even there I wouldn't bet against someone trying to kill him.

"He has enemies everywhere he turns and now even his best friends are quitting," he said.

Graffiti in north Belfast alleged that Courtney had brought weapons with him as a peace offering.

The slogan said: One AK, one SMG, six handguns, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, thanks C Company.

The AK is an automatic assault rifle and the SMG is a submachine gun both weapons favoured by terrorists in the North and much in demand.

Courtney would certainly have had access to Adair's arsenal and now the weapons may be used against those who choose to continue to side with the Mad Dog.

A security source said: "The loss of Courtney will be a big blow to Adair and even he must be starting to feel nervous."