26/08/2004

Leading loyalist cleared of murder

A leading loyalist has been cleared of killing a 21-year-old man in Co Antrim last year.

Ihab Shoukri, 30, from Alliance Road, Belfast, was accused of murdering Alan McCullough whose body was found in a shallow grave in Mallusk in June 2003.

Scientific tests on fibres, fingerprints and DNA samples proved negative and Mr Shoukri was cleared of the charge at Belfast Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

However he still faces a charge of membership of the Ulster Freedom Fighters.

Alan McCullough, described as a former member of the UDA, was murdered during the height of a feud within rival factions of loyalist paramilitary organisations last year.

(MB)

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