Top loyalist Mark Haddock is prepared to testify against a former boxer accused of trying to kill him, a court in Belfast heard today.
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| Police in Newtownabbey, near north Belfast, investigate at the scene of the shooting of Mark Haddock. |
Ronald Bowe (29), is the second man to be charged with the attempted murder of the alleged Special Branch agent.
Mr Haddock (37), was shot six times as he stepped out of his car for a meeting in Newtownabbey, CoAntrim, last Tuesday.
The Ulster Volunteer Force is suspected of authorising the assassination bid of one of its former commanders. Mr Haddock once ran the UVF-controlled Mount Vernon district in north Belfast. He was gunned down while on trial for the attempted murder of a nightclub doorman.
His one-time friend, Darren Moore (36), has already been charged with involvement in the plot to kill Mr Haddock.
Mr Moore, of Mount Vernon Park in the city, was also accused over the brutal assault on bouncer Trevor Gowdy in December 2002, but the case against him was later dropped.
As Mr Haddock continues to recover under armed guard in hospital, Mr Bowe appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court today after being charged by detectives investigating the shooting. He is also to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service over alleged membership of the UVF.
Mr Bowe, of Mount Vernon Gardens, was once a promising amateur light-welterweight boxer who had hopes of representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
As his supporters filled the public gallery, Mr Bowe only nodded in the dock to confirm he understood the charge against him. Detective Sergeant Raymond Cromie told the court that when accused, he replied "not guilty". But the officer said he could connect him with the attempted murder charge.
During cross-examination, the officer confirmed that Mr Haddock has not yet made a formal written statement of complaint. "At this stage the injured party is seriously ill," he added. "He has provided police with an initial account and is prepared to follow this through the court proceedings."
He also agreed with a defence solicitor that Mr Bowe had provided police with a written statement denying his involvement in the shooting and detailing his movements at the time. The accused was remanded in custody to appear again via video link on July 5th.