Judgement reserved in Shoukri gun case

Judgement in the case against a top north Belfast loyalist charged with four firearms charges, including possession of a gun with the intent to endanger life, has been reserved.

The accused, Andre Shoukri (26) from Sunninghill Gardens, has denied the charges relating to the possession of an illegally held handgun and a quantity of ammunition.

In his closing remarks prosecution counsel, John Creaney QC, said that the case had all the hallmarks of a “travelling gunman team”.

The court heard that Mr Shoukri had in his possession a gun, a knife and a hammer.

However, legal representatives for the defence said that the threat to Mr Shoukri’s life was a serious one, and that the knife and hammer were the property of the driver for use in his trade. The defence also said that the prosecution had not produced any evidence that Mr Shoukri had the intent to endanger life.

The defence team yesterday said that the gun was for his own protection following threats to his life by fellow loyalists.

Mr Shoukri was released on bail and judgement in the case is not expected until early next week.

(SP)