Jury out in terror charge trial

A jury today retired to consider its verdict on three men accused of links to loyalist terror groups.

The jury of eight women and seven men were deliberating verdicts on Neil Findlay, 33, James McKenzie, 36, and Eric Hamilton, 19, after hearing three weeks of evidence.

All three deny being linked to outlawed paramilitary groups the Ulster Defence Association and its spin-off the Ulster Freedom Fighters.

McKenzie, of Crammond Way, Irvine, Findlay, of Dukes Terrace, Ayr, and Hamilton, of Lothian Road, Stewarton, were jointly charged with breaching Section 57 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The prosecution also alleges that the accused – on remand at Kilmarnock prison - were storing fireworks, igniters and incendiary devices at seven addresses in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Ayr, South Ayrshire and Stewarton, in East Ayrshire.

In addition McKenzie and Hamilton face charges of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and failure to hold a firearms certificate.

During the trial Hamilton tendered a plea over the shotgun, which the Crown did not accept.

Although the teenager, known by his nickname of “Tyson”, did plead guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

McKenzie also changed his plea and admitted possession of two stun guns.