Bail refused for 'dedicated terrorist'

Mr Fulton is being held at Maghaberry jail

A brother of former loyalist paramilitary leader Mark Fulton has been described as a "dedicated terrorist" during a court hearing.

William James Fulton was said to be "a sinister player" in the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF).

Mark Fulton, the former leader of the LVF, was found dead in his cell at Maghaberry prison, County Antrim, earlier this month.

Mark Fulton: Found dead in his prison cell

On Friday, a prosecution lawyer opposed a compassionate bail application by William James Fulton.

The 32-year-old from Portadown is accused of murdering Elizabeth O'Neill, 59, in the County Armagh town in 1999.

Mr Fulton, whose address was given as Southway Drive, Plymouth, where he was arrested a year ago, also faces six charges of attempted murder and two of causing explosions.

Defence lawyer Seamus Treacy said the accused had honoured his bail when released for his brother's funeral.

These are very serious charges and, if convicted, he faces a long custodial sentence, perhaps running to 30 years

Prosecution lawyer

He said he now wished to get out to visit his mother who could not bring herself to visit him in Maghaberry prison following the death of her other son there.

However, the prosecution lawyer said police believed that Mr Fulton would flee the jurisdiction if released.

"These are very serious charges and, if convicted, he faces a long custodial sentence, perhaps running to 30 years," he said.

The court heard it was alleged Mr Fulton took over the leadership of the LVF after his brother Mark, 42, was remanded in custody.

He later went to England because of the bloody feud between the LVF and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

Mr Justice Higgins said it appeared that Fulton's mother, who was in court, was suffering from emotional and medical distress.

"Compasionate bail is generally reserved for the death or serious illness of a close relative," he said.

"When I balance the nature and number of charges with the risk of absconding, I have to refuse bail."