Shot loyalist 'changed rendezvous with ambush gang'

Rogue loyalist Mark Haddock was shot after agreeing to a last-minute change of rendezvous with his would-be killers, it was claimed tonight.

As the alleged Special Branch agent’s one-time closest friend appeared in court today accused of trying to murder him, sources revealed the meeting was originally planned for Haddock’s house.

Instead, he was ambushed and shot six times after stepping out of his car in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

Darren Moore, 36, who once stood accused with Haddock of a brutal attack on nightclub doorman Trevor Gowdy, denies being part of the assassination plot.

Detectives believe a gang was involved in the suspected Ulster Volunteer Force attack last Tuesday on one of its former commanders.

Haddock, 37, is understood to have consulted with his family in hospital where he is recovering before co-operating with the police inquiry.

And he is prepared to quit Northern Ireland rather than face further attempts on his life, according to those close to the case.

Any attempt to flee must wait, however, until after his trial for the attempted murder of bouncer Mr Gowdy in December 2002.

Haddock was shot while out on bail as a judge considers his verdict.

He was gunned down in broad daylight near an Orange Hall on the Doagh Road.

The attack came as Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan finalises her report into allegations that police Special Branch officers allowed loyalist paramilitary killers to operate without fear of prosecution.

Haddock is believed to have been the focus of the inquiry.

He is understood to have agreed to the meeting to discuss rumoured UVF death threats against him.

But the get-together was first arranged for Templepatrick, just north of Belfast and five miles from the scene of the shooting, sources said.

Haddock was living in an apartment in the village as part of his bail arrangements.

It was only as he prepared for the talks that he was contacted and told of the change of plans.

But at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today Moore denied any part in the murder plot.

A detective heading the inquiry said that when charged, Moore replied: “I’m not guilty, could you check my alibis?”

Moore, from Mount Vernon Park, a UVF stronghold in north Belfast once ran by Haddock, had been co-accused of bludgeoning Mr Gowdy until the case against him was dropped when it was decided he could not get a fair trial.

In court today, Detective Inspector Gareth Nicholl insisted he could connect him with the attempted murder of his former friend.

During cross-examination, defence solicitor Eileen Ewing asked the officer: “Has the injured party, Mark Haddock, made a signed written statement of complaint?”

Mr Nicholl confirmed this had not yet happened.

Moore was remanded in custody until July 3 to appear again by video link.