The chief prosecution witness in the Belfast trial of three men accused of murdering Lurgan schoolboy Gavin Malcolm will today face contempt charges after yesterday defying a Crown Court judge by refusing to be cross examined.
The admitted killer Thomas Haggan (19), told Mr Justice McCollum he was still refusing to continue answering defence questions. After a short adjournment the judge told Haggan his refusal was a "serious contempt of court" and advised him to seek legal advice in jail about the consequences of any order he may make against him.
Earlier a doctor who examined Haggan in jail on Monday told the court he was fit to give, evidence at the trial of Lurgan men, Royal Irish Regiment private Jason Chittick (22), of Pine Park Mr Keith Brown, (23), of Ashleigh Crescent and 18 year old Mr William Turkington of Munroe Avenue.
Legal submissions were then made in the absence of the jury, which was discharged until today.