Stone charged with Adams and McGuinness murder bid

Convicted Loyalist killer Michael Stone was charged today with attempting to murder Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont on Friday.

Stone (aged 51), faced a total of five charges of attempted murder when he appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

He was also charged with possession of explosives with intent to endanger life, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of articles for terrorist purposes, including nail bombs, an axe and a garrotte.

Stone was remanded in custody until December 22.

The leading Loyalist, who suffers from bad arthritis, hobbled into the dock on a crutch and stood solemn-faced, surrounded by a heavy force of uniformed police, as the charges were put to him.

As well as the charges of attempting to murder Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness he is charged with attempting to murder two security staff at the Stormont parliament buildings, and persons unknown.

Before being led from the dock Stone shouted out: “No sell-out. No power-sharing with the Sinners, they are war criminals.

“Ulster is not for sale, no surrender.”