Northern Ireland Sentence Review Commissioners were tonight urged to keep jailed Ulster loyalist paramilitary Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair in prison.
With security chiefs fearing heightened sectarian tensions on the streets of Belfast if Adair is freed, RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan backed the British government's fierce opposition.
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Johnny Adair |
Lawyers for Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Mandelson also argued strongly against the three independent commissioners confirming a preliminary decision to let him out of jail.
The hearing at Maghaberry prison near Lisburn Co Antrim, where Adair is being held under tight security will continue tomorrow, but it could be some time, possibly early next week, before a determination is announced.
The RUC Chief Constable, spent more than two hours inside the jail outlining police objections to any release in the aftermath of a truce being declared by rival loyalist factions who were involved in a vicious shooting war which left seven men dead.
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Several other officers gave evidence, including at least two from the Special Branch who produced a detailed intelligence assessment on Adair's behaviour during the summer.
One senior British government source said tonight it was highly unusual for the Chief Constable to give evidence personally, but it indicated the deep concern over a possible release.
He said: "If he gets out again then we might as well rip up the legislation. If Adair stays behind bars then it sends a clear message to all those who have been released early from jail."
Adair was rearrested last August as the feud first erupted following a tense and difficult summer when the UFF leader and his loyalist associates were involved in a series of so-called shows of strength.
Mr Mandelson ordered he be detained and sent back to prison - just a year after he was first freed early under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement having served just under a third of a 16-year sentence for directing terrorism.
PA