UDA ‘responsible’ for man’s murder

THE Ulster Defence Association was formally accused yesterday of gunning down one of its former brigadiers, Jim Gray.

The accusation against Northern Ireland’s largest loyalist paramilitary group is in the latest IMC report.

While UDA leaders signalled last November they wanted to engage with the Government in talks about their organisation’s future, the IMC accused them of involvement in murder, trying to procure weapons, drug dealing, extortion, money laundering, producing and selling counterfeit goods and robbery.

“Members from east Belfast were, in our view, responsible for the murder on October 4 of their fellow member Jim Gray, who was on bail following his arrest.

“Members also undertook a sectarian attack in early September.

“The UDA and its members have continued to undertake targeting, shootings and assaults.”

The report said it was unaware of any change in the pattern of UDA involvement in organised crime.

The commission alleged that the UDA and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) orchestrated disturbances after restrictions were imposed on an Orange Order parade in Belfast in September.

Senior members of both groups were accused of orchestrating violence, hijacking vehicles and shooting at police and soldiers.

The IMC acknowledged there did appear to be some individuals in the UDA who were trying to steer the group away from violence and organised crime.

“We applaud constructive community work and activities such as the removal of flags and murals.

“Another important step would be for loyalist paramilitaries, including the UDA, to stop targeting nationalists and members of ethnic minorities.”

The UVF and Red Hand Commandos remained, in the IMC’s view, active, violent and ruthless, despite the ending of its feud with the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) in August.

The commission said UVF members carried out between September and late November shootings, assaults and sectarian attacks.

The IMC said the UVF had tried to acquire weapons and while it remained involved in organised crime, the leadership was making efforts to reduce criminality, especially drug dealing, within its ranks.