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Date |
Name |
Age |
Sex |
Reli-gion |
Affili-ation |
Alleged Perpe-trator |
Location Town / Area |
Location County / Country |
Details |
Category |
Arrests / Prosecutions |
Sources |
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02-Jan-03 |
Roy Green |
32 |
M |
P |
UDA Adair faction |
UDA |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Ally of Johnny Adair, shot as he left the Kimberley bar at around 7.00pm as part of the loyalist feud begun in September. Another man escaped unhurt.[1] The UDA claimed responsibility, accusing the victim in a statement of committing ‘treason’ by secretly scheming against the UDA with Adair[2]. Ian Rea (35) has been charged with the murder, possession of four guns, plastic explosives and a detonator, and possession of imitation firearms with intent to cause fear. The gun used to kill Green was found, and Rea's fingerprints were on documents and a bin liner in the same location. He is currently released on bail [3] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Loyalist war fears after new murder, by Jamie Wilson, Guardian, 4 January 2003[2] Loyalists killed own member for ‘treason’, Irish Independent, 4 January 2003[3] Man in court over murder, Irish News Online, 27 January 2006 |
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01-Feb-03 |
John ‘Grugg’ Gregg |
45 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UDA Adair faction / RHD |
Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UFF South East Antrim hardline leader shot in a taxi leaving the Belfast docks after he returned from a Rangers/Celtic match in Glasgow. The shooting was part of the UDA/Adair faction loyalist feud. Gregg, who was linked to a number of recent sectarian killings, gave a newspaper interview hours before his death in which he warned members of Adair’s faction to settle the dispute or risk a “move against them.”[1] His shooting was followed by a large exodus of people related to the Adair faction and several revenge attacks, including mass vandalism of Adair’s offices, homes, posters, and murals.[2] He was the highest-ranking UDA member to be assassinated since 1994[3]. |
Loyalist feud |
Two men were questioned immediately after the murders[4]. In April 2003, the police arrested four people as they returned to Belfast on a ferry from Scotland[5]. Six associates of Adair were arrested on 8 July 2003, three from Bolton, Greater Manchester, and three from the Shankill area, but all were released without charge[6]. As of 2006, no-one had been charged [7] |
[1] Gregg may have used trips to Scotland as murder alibi, Irish News, 3 February 2003[2] Funeral shots send loyalist renegades into exile, by David Lister, Times, 7 February 2003[3] Gregg murder said to be a hired hit, by Jack Holland, Irish Echo, 12-18 February 2003[4] Gregg murder: two quizzed, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 3 February 2003[5] In brief: four held for UDA murder, Guardian, 10 April 2003[6] Six freed in loyalist murder probe, Irish News, 9 July 2003[7] Loyalist car bomb accused acquitted, Irish News, 22/02/2006 |
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02-Feb-03 |
Robert ‘Rab’ Carson |
33 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UDA Adair faction / RHD |
Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UDA member who was shot in the taxi with John Gregg and died early Sunday morning in the hospital[1]. (see above) |
Loyalist feud |
(see above) |
[1] Gregg murder: two quizzed, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 3 February 2003 |
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| 13-Mar-03 | Keith Rogers | 24 | M | C | IRA | IRA faction? | Cullaville, Crossmaglen | Armagh |
Shot in the chest during an incident at a petrol station, involving several men. Reports indicated that the incident was connected to a feud between rival IRA factions, concerning a dispute over land. Other reports indicated that the shooting was part of a local struggle over the drugs and weapons smuggling market. Kevin O'Callaghan was injured during the incident, along with his son Sean. Kevin's brother Patrick O'Callaghan alleged that Rogers and other IRA gang members had been attempting to carry out a punishment beating. O'Callaghan later retracted his statement and at Rogers' funeral a senior IRA member described the perpetrators of the killing as "criminal vermin."
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Republican feud? |
One man reportedly arrested and later released. Some reports indicate that the gunman who shot Rogers fled to the Republic of Ireland. |
Lost Lives, number 3691 More Deaths Feared in Feud between IRA factions, Rosie Cowan, The Guardian, 20 March 2003 Man Killed in 'IRA fall-out', BBC News, 18 March 2003 Man Arrested in Murder probe, BBC News, 13 March 2003 The Horse's Head, Anthony McIntyre, The Blanket, 26 March 2003 |
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08-May-03 |
Jim ‘Jonty’ Johnston |
45 |
M |
P |
RHC |
LVF? |
Crawfordsburn |
Co Down |
Senior figure in the Red Hand Commando shot by two gunmen as part of a loyalist feud in the drive of his home on the Ballyrobert Road near Crawfordsburn[1]. The gun had been used in two prior killings[2]. The Crown lawyer arguing the case alleged that it was committed in revenge for the killing of Stephen Warnock, the brother-in-law of the accused’s sister[3]. Mr Johnston was suspected of driving the motorcycle used in Mr Warnock’s murder. Mr Johnston had also allegedly been a suspect in the murders of Adrian Porter and William Paul.[4] A month and a half after the murder, a bomb and bullets were discovered on Mr Johnston’s property[5]. |
Loyalist feud? |
One man was arrested soon after the shooting but released without charge. Another man from Mid-Ulster was arrested on 23 May 2003.[6] On 26 May 2003, a 39-year-old man [Robert Young] was charged with murder and his 37-year-old sister[Lorraine Young] was charged with providing him with a false alibi[7]. In September 2003 a 17 year-old youth appeared in court charged with being in possession of two balaclavas in connection with the murder. [8] In June 2005, Robert Young was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. His sister was also convicted of providing false alibi and another woman, Susan Ferguson, was convicted for possession of a pistol magazine. [9] |
[1] Hunt for killers continues as politicians urge calm, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 10 May 2003[2] Johnston killing – man held by police, by William Scholes, Irish News, 13 May 2003[3] Red Hand killing was ‘revenge’, Irish News, 29 May 2003[4] Murder tarnishes image of Ulster's smart Gold Coast, by David Lister, The Times, 10 May 2003[5] Three held over bomb find, BBC News, 25 June 2003[6] Man held over loyalist killing, in News Briefs, Irish News, 24 May 2003[7] Red Hand killing was ‘revenge’, Irish News, 29 May 2003[8] Man in court over murder, Irish News, 29 September 2003 [9] Johnson's killer already planning murder appeal, Irish News, 10 June 2005 |
Robert John Young (39 in 2003), Lorraine Young (37 in 2003) |
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11? May 03 |
Gareth O’Connor – disappeared, presumed dead |
24 |
M |
C |
RIRA |
IRA? |
Armagh |
Co Armagh |
Gareth O’Connor was last seen driving through Newtonhamilton, on his way to report for his bail, across the border in Dundalk which had been imposed for charges of membership of an illegal organisation. [1] He had not taken his passport or a change of clothes. [2] The IRA issued a statement denying all knowledge of O’Connor’s disappearance. [3] Following comments by Sir Hugh Orde, Chief Constable of the PSNI, that it was high likely that the IRA killed O’Connor; the IRA issued a further statement denying involvement. [4] Gareth O’Connor’s car was found in the Victoria canal in Newry on 12.06.05, and contained a body later identified as his. [5] A cause of death could not be established – an inquest will be held into his death. [6] |
IRA on dissidents? |
Three people have been questioned with regard to the disappearance, but no one has been charged[2]. |
[1] Family of missing man ‘feeling pretty helpless’. Irish News. 12.07.03 [2] Missing man may be dead. BBC News. 02.06.03 [3] IRA not involved in O’Connor disappearance. Republican News. 15.05.03 [4] A year in the job and Hugh Orde is fed up talking about the past. Irish News. 31.07.03. [5] ‘The disappeared’: we’ve told all we know says IRA. Ulster TV. 01.09.03 [6] O’Connor: News searches at canal. Belfast Telegraph. 13.06.05 [7] Mystery surrounds how and why Gareth O’Connor met his death. Irish News. 09.07.05 |
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28? May 03 |
Alan McCullough |
21 |
M |
P |
UDA Adair faction |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Member of the Adair faction who returned to Northern Ireland from England, apparently after receiving assurances that he would not be attacked. He was last seen getting into a blue car outside his Shankhill home in the company of 2 senior UDA men, Ihab Skoukri and Mo Courtney, on 28 May 2003. He is said to have been involved with the murders of Jonathan Stewart and John Gregg. His body was found in a shallow grave on the outskirts of north Belfast on 5 June 2003.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
Two senior loyalists, ages 29 and 39, were charged with his murder in June 2003[2]. William ‘Mo’ Courtney was released on bail, but was returned to Maghaberry prison in March 2006 after he broke his curfew conditions. [3] Willliam ‘Mo’ Courtney was acquitted of the murder of Alan McCullough and membership to the UDA and UFF, on 28 November 2006. Courtney was tried in the Diplock Court. Justice McLaughlin said there was ‘inherent weakness’ in the evidence given by the McCullough and witness A. The prosecution have the right to appeal the decision. [4] |
[1] Grim last supper for suspected UDA victim, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 6 June 2003[2] Accused denied bail in feud case, Irish News, 21 June 2003[3] Courtney in prison after breaking nail curfew, by Barry McCaffrey¸ Irish News, 30/03/2006 [4] Loyalist cleared on murder charge, BBC News, 28 November 2006 |
Ihab Skoukri and William ‘Mo’ Courtney (29 and 39 in 2003) |
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17-Aug-03 |
Danny McGurk |
35 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
RIRA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Danny McGurk was shot three times as he opened his front door in the Lower Falls area. Some of his six children were believed to be in the house at the time of the murder. [1] Dissident republicans were suspected to be behind the attack. McGurk had previously had an argument with some Real IRA members; this was believed to be a punishment shooting which went too far. [2] McGurk had been subject to a violent beating by a gang, the week before his murder. [3] Three men and a woman were arrested within days of the shooting. [4] Patrick O’Mahoney was charged with offences linked to he killing. He sought to have a second autopsy on Danny McGurk for defence purposes. The High Court upheld the coroner’s decision to refuse O’Mahoney’s request. [5] Four people were arrested in connection with his murder in October 2003. [6] One of these individuals was subsequently charged with withholding information. As of June 2006, no-one has been charged with his murder. [7]
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[1] Man shot dead in front of children by Real IRA ‘punishment squad. Independent. 18.08.03 [2] RIRA gunmen kill Belfast man at his home. Ulster TV. 18.08.03 [3] Murdered man’s widow speaks out against killers. Belfast Telegraph. 18.08.03 [4] Four quizzed by murder detectives. Irish News. 19.08.03 [5] Judge upholds coroner’s decision. BBC News.
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11-Oct-03 |
James McGinley | 23 | M |
Alleged IRA member |
Derry |
McGinley was stabbed through the heart, following a confrontation with a group of men at around 3am. The incident was caught on CCTV. A policewoman attending the murder scene was injured by a crowd as she gave first aid. [1] The McGinley family later alleged that they had been intimidated by the IRA, who were protecting the killer. [2] Bart Fisher was arrested and charged with the murder on 13 October 2003. [3] Witnesses were allegedly prevented from coming forward by the IRA and Fisher was convicted on a lesser charge of manslaughter, and sentenced to three years imprisonment.[4] |
[1] Officer hurt at murder scene, BBC News, 11 Oct 2005 [2] Sinn Fein shields another knife killer, The Times Online, 6 March 2005 [3] Clashes as murder accused faces court, Irish News, 14 Oct 2003 [4] Adams to meet McGinley family, UTV News, 3 April 2005 |
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08-Nov-03 |
John Allen |
31 |
M |
P |
UVF? |
UVF |
Ballyclare |
Co Antrim |
Two masked men fired at him at his home, wounding him in the legs and head. He later died in hospital. He was reported as being a former UVF member. [1] Later, his father said that he sustained two bullet wounds to the head and no other wounds. He also said that he was killed because he had stood up to the UVF. [2] |
[1] Murder victim linked to loyalists, BBC TV News, 9 November 2003 [2] UVF 'sanctioned murder', Belfast Telegraph, 10 November 2003 |
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21-Nov-03 |
James McMahon |
21 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
? |
Lisburn |
Co Antrim |
Three masked men beat him with baseball bat suffering serious injuries. He died in hospital the next day.[1] A senior police officer told the inquest into James McMahon’s death, that he had been beaten to death by the UDA, in an attempt to curb anti-social behaviour. [2] As yet no-one has been charged with his murder. [3]
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[1] Three arrested in murder inquiry, BBC News, 4 December 2003
[2] Inquest told about UDA’s part in murder. Irish News. 21.06.06 |
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