WELL-KNOWN LOYALIST Mark Haddock goes on trial today, along with 13 other alleged members of the Ulster Volunteer Force, in one of Northern Ireland’s biggest ever legal cases.

The first ‘supergrass’ trial to be held in Belfast in 26 years, the 14 men face numerous charges including murder, the BBC reports.

Haddock and his compatriots face a host of charges, including blackmail, intimidation and, most seriously, the murder of leading UDA member Tommy English.

English was shot dead in his home Newtownabbey in 2000 during a loyalist feud.

A so-called supergrass

The term ‘supergrass’ refers to arrested paramilitaries who turn in their former associates in exchange for immunity.

Hundreds of loyalists and republicans were arrested and convicted in the early 1980s as a result of the ‘supergrass’ system. However, the practice was abolished in 1986 as many of the convictions based on such witness testimonies were overturned.

In this case, the prosecution’s key witnesses are Robert and David Stewart, two brothers who were members of the UVF.

The pair has provided evidence against the 14 defendants in exchange for reduced sentences for themselves. They have already admitted to their involvement in the killing of English, as well as 73 other offences.

According to the BBC, they have been held in protective custody in isolation at Maghaberry prison after being handed down three-year sentences.

The Guardian today revealed that the 14 defendants will be represented by 24 barristers and eight firms of solicitors during the 11-week trial.

Meanwhile, UTV reported that in the courtroom, Haddock, who is now 42, sat away from the 13 others who stand trial with him.

Police presence

Sharon O’Neill from UTV tweeted this afternoon that the trial will not continue on Friday because the PSNI does not have the resources to cover both the courtroom and the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis.

Ahead of today’s tense opening day, the PSNI told the Irish News (print edition) that it had the appropriate and proportionate resources in place. A record number of officers were deployed outside the courthouse.

A small demonstration was held by the group, Families Against Supergrass Trials, which has criticised the use of informant’s evidence in paramilitary trials.

The protesters held signs that denounced ‘supergrass’ trials as “well proven miscarriages of justice”. Another banner claimed that today’s hearing signalled a return to the 1980s.

UTV reports that authorities insist there is more integrity in this case as there is a contract in place between the Public Prosecution Service and the assisting offenders. This was provided for in new legislation introduced in 2005.

Previous deals were made in secret and it was often claimed that financial rewards were received in exchange for information.