Winston Irvine

Police fear an escalation of paramilitary violence in the wake of the arrest of prominent loyalist Winston Irvine, a court heard yesterday.

A number of UVF pin badges and a gold chain and pendant bearing the UVF's 'B' Company logo were also found in a bedside cabinet. He was later stopped at Disraeli Street where police searched his car. DI McCullough detailed the events which led to his detention. "This will be hotly contested, we will produce a galaxy of witness who will attest to his work in the peace process," he said. And he vowed that when the case came to trial he will produce a "galaxy of witnesses" to refute the allegations. He said there were fears should he be released there was a risk "he will move other weapons before they are recovered" which he said would be a serious interference in the course of justice.