Notorious loyalist killer and supergrass Gary Haggarty, who was handed a reduced prison sentence after admitting to more than 500 terror crimes – including five murders – has been released from jail. The long-time police informer pleaded guilty to a litany of serious crimes as part of a controversial deal that offered a significantly reduced term in return for turning state witness. The catalogue of offences stretched over 16 years, from 1991 to 2007, and included the loyalist murders of John Harbinson, Sean McParland, Gary Convie, Eamon Fox and Sean McDermott. As well as the five murders, Haggarty admitted five attempted murders, including against police officers; 23 counts of conspiracy to murder; directing terrorism; and membership of a proscribed organisation. 55 loyalist murdersAfter turning state witness, Haggarty provided information on 55 loyalist murders and 20 attempted murders in 1,015 police interviews.

Source: The Irish Times May 11, 2018 17:37 UTC