PSNI criticised over UDA murder inquiry

The family of a UDA commander gunned down during a loyalist feud today criticised the police investigation into his death.

The family of a UDA commander gunned down during a loyalist feud today criticised the police investigation into his death.

John Gregg (45), from the Rathcoole Estate in Newtownabbey, was shot dead as he sat in a taxi in the Docks area of Belfast in February 2003.

Another man, Robert Carson (33), also from Rathcoole, died in the attack after they had attended a Glasgow Rangers football match.

In a statement after a joint inquest, both families questioned the inquiry into the double murder which was blamed on "C" company of the Ulster Freedom Fighters, led by Shankill Road loyalist Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair.

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"We would wish to point out that the PSNI investigation leaves a lot to be desired," they said. "No one has ever been charged with the murders yet most people know who the killers were.

"We were extremely concerned that the CCTV footage did not provide sufficient evidence in the absence of security in the area of the Docks on that Saturday evening. This would not be normal, given that Rangers fans were coming home and the Celtic fans were going away at the same time."

Gregg, who led the UDA's East Antrim brigade, had been locked in a power struggle with Adair who wanted to take over the entire organisation.

His Mendrum Gardens home was attacked in the weeks before the killing which occurred on February 1st.

Two weeks after his death, 20 of Adair's supporters, including wife Gina and his close associate John White, fled to Scotland after the UDA attacked homes in the Lower Shankill.

PA