'Mad Dog' Adair admits assaulting wife

Former Ulster Defence Association (UDA) paramilitary Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair today walked free from court after he admitted assaulting his wife.

Adair, 42, drunkenly attacked Gina Adair hours after he was released from prison last month, Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard.

Karen Tong, prosecuting, said Adair was seen kneeling on his wife and “punching her repeatedly with both arms“.

The couple, who have been married for 23 years and have four children, were walking home from a nearby pub after celebrating Adair’s release from prison on September 26.

A group of children and their parents playing football in the park reported seeing Adair dragging his wife by the hair as she tried to flee, Mrs Tong said.

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

Adair, formerly of Chorley New Road, Bolton, was made the subject of a 12-month community rehabilitation order. The Probation Service will supervise him one-on-one because he is not deemed suitable for group work. His new address was withheld by the court.

Adair, who collects state benefits, was ordered to pay a £250 (€367.56) fine and £35 (€51.46) costs. The court heard how Adair, who admitted one charge of common assault on September 28, had attacked his wife before.

“The Probation Service report said there was some history of domestic violence Mrs Tong said.

Adair was released from prison on the day of the attack after serving 39 days for harassment. The harassment charge did not relate to his wife.

Imposing the Community Rehabilitation Order, David Bonner, chairman of the bench, said: “This domestic violence offence is a very serious matter.”

Adair, former commander of the West Belfast ’C’ Company section of the Ulster Freedom Fighters, fled to Bolton earlier this year after a feud erupted among Loyalist terror groups in Belfast.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Dave Lea said: “This incident is totally unacceptable and assaults of any type will not be tolerated by Greater Manchester Police, especially those assaults committed by those with whom you are entitled to feel safe.

“This attack took place, somewhat shamelessly, in the middle of a park in broad daylight in front of schoolchildren playing football close by.

“We are committed to reducing violent crime across Bolton and, as a result, we pursued a prosecution in this case despite the fact that the victim did not want to give evidence.

“This type of ’victimless prosecution’ is a result of ground-breaking work being undertaken here in Bolton to support those victims who have, in the past, been left to their own devices. This is no longer the case.

“We want to send a strong message to people who use violence to settle disputes – we will pursue you.

“I would like to stress that we welcome people from all walks of life into Bolton but we will take robust action against anyone who chooses not to abide by the law.”