Witness admits alcoholism, drug habit

A CONVICTED loyalist terrorist, who is testifying for the British state in one of the North’s largest ever paramilitary trials, has admitted to being a life-long alcoholic with a drugs habit who fled the region with money stolen from his parents.

Robert Stewart, aged 37, who is giving evidence against alleged Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) commander Mark Haddock and 13 other defendants, told Belfast Crown Court he also sometimes has problems with his memory.

The 14 face a litany of paramilitary charges, with Haddock and seven others facing the most serious count of murdering rival loyalist leader Tommy English in Belfast 11 years ago. They all deny the charges.