Johnny Adair to be released from prison next week

Former UDA commander Johnny Adair is due to be freed from Maghaberry jail next week, according to prison sources in the North.

Security chiefs have refused to confirm when he will be released, but prison sources said he was expected to be freed on January 13 after serving two-thirds of his 16-year term for directing terrorism.

The feared loyalist leader had been released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, but this was revoked two years ago due to his continued involvement in paramilitarism, criminality and a vicious inter-UDA feud.

His former UDA colleagues have already expelled Adair's family and associates from the North and have made it clear that they will target him if he fails to follow suit after his release.