Adair admits assaulting wife

Former Ulster Defence Association paramilitary Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair today admitted assaulting his wife only hours after he was released from prison.

Adair, 41, of Chorley New Road, Bolton, attacked Gina Adair on Monday after they celebrated his release.

Gina Adair and her children arrived in Bolton in February 2003 after factional feuding within the UDA forced them to leave Belfast.

Adair joined her earlier this year after he was released from Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland where he was serving time for directing terrorism.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard how the couple, who have been married for 23 years and have four children, were taking a short cut home through Old Station Park in Bolton after leaving a nearby pub when they started arguing.

Shocked children and their parents playing football in the park reported seeing Adair repeatedly punch his wife in the face and then drag her by the hair as she fought to escape, said Miss Karen Tong, prosecuting.

One child said: “Mummy that man’s going to kill her,” the court heard.

Mrs Adair suffered bruising to her face, cuts on her hands, and some hair loss in the attack, but did not require medical treatment.

Adair had been released that day after serving 39 days in prison for harassment. The harassment charge did not relate to his wife.

Mr Nick Ross, defending, said Adair had no history of domestic violence and that the couple had been reconciled since his arrest.

Adair was released on bail pending sentencing on October 28 while pre-sentencing reports were prepared.