Adair backers make statement on killing

Supporters of Johnny Adair today challenged the reasons given by former comrades in the Ulster Defence Association as to why they murdered a 21-year-old loyalist.

The body of Alan McCullough was discovered in a shallow grave yesterday near a country road in Mallusk, on the outskirts of Belfast.

In a call to a Belfast newsroom last night, the Ulster Defence Association claimed responsibility and linked McCullough to the murders of their South Antrim Brigadier John Gregg in February and Jonathan Stewart at Christmas.

Here is an edited version of the statement released in response to the UDA today by members of Adair’s former C Company:

“In response to the statement issued yesterday by the Ulster Defence Association stating the reasons for abducting and brutally murdering Alan McCullough, the opportunity should be taken to set the record straight – not only to the UDA leadership but also the ordinary people of the Shankill and further afield who want to know why Alan McCullough was murdered by those who guaranteed his safe return.

“Firstly, Alan McCullough played no part in the murder of Jonathan Stewart at a party in the Oldpark area at Christmas 2002.

“A senior loyalist from the Shankill was at that time military commander for C Company and would have known about any attack carried out during this time.

“Secondly Alan McCullough had no knowledge of nor played any part in the execution of loyalist John “Grug” Gregg. Both the UDA leadership and the security forces know who was responsible for the execution of John Gregg.

“The identity of the three men who led Alan McCullough away from his home 10 days ago is widely known on the Shankill. We would challenge one in particular, who has a string of convictions, to explain his role in Alan’s murder.

“This man knew about Jonathan Stewart’s death and possibly John Gregg’s as well.”