14/04/2003
British agent Brian Nelson dies
A former loyalist paramilitary who was at the centre of alleged collusion with British security forces has died.
Brian Nelson died in Canada over the weekend after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage following a heart attack two weeks ago.
The Shankill Road man was the intelligence chief of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in the 1970's and 1980's during which time he was recruited by British military intelligence.
He was said to have provided vital intelligence which guided UDA killers to their targets.
The most high profile case to emerge from this period was the assassination of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Mr Nelson was allegedly involved in providing a dossier on Mr Finucane which led to his death at the hands of UDA gunmen in 1989.
It was discovered that security forces wanted Mr Nelson to help them prevent the UDA killing ordinary Catholics and concentrate on targeting known republicans.
However, allegations persist that some of the warnings Mr Nelson passed on were ignored, such as in the case Pat Finucane.
His death comes just days ahead of the Stevens Report, led by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, which focuses in part on Mr Nelson's alleged collusion.
(MB)
Brian Nelson died in Canada over the weekend after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage following a heart attack two weeks ago.
The Shankill Road man was the intelligence chief of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in the 1970's and 1980's during which time he was recruited by British military intelligence.
He was said to have provided vital intelligence which guided UDA killers to their targets.
The most high profile case to emerge from this period was the assassination of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Mr Nelson was allegedly involved in providing a dossier on Mr Finucane which led to his death at the hands of UDA gunmen in 1989.
It was discovered that security forces wanted Mr Nelson to help them prevent the UDA killing ordinary Catholics and concentrate on targeting known republicans.
However, allegations persist that some of the warnings Mr Nelson passed on were ignored, such as in the case Pat Finucane.
His death comes just days ahead of the Stevens Report, led by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, which focuses in part on Mr Nelson's alleged collusion.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
13 January 2004
Government to face legal action over Cory report delays
The Finucane family are to take legal action over the delays in the publishing of the British portions of the Cory report into alleged collusion in a number of killings in Northern Ireland.
Government to face legal action over Cory report delays
The Finucane family are to take legal action over the delays in the publishing of the British portions of the Cory report into alleged collusion in a number of killings in Northern Ireland.
09 August 2016
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
08 April 2008
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
11 October 2005
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.