Loyalist gun case reserved

Andre Shoukri denied the charges

Judgement has been reserved in the case of a leading north Belfast loyalist who is accused of having a gun and bullets with intent to endanger life.

Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, denies the charges and has been released on continuing bail.

He claimed the gun was for his own protection after receiving news of a death threat from convicted Ulster Freedom Fighters leader Johnny Adair.

In his closing statement on Wednesday, council for the prosecution, John Creaney QC, said when Mr Shoukri was arrested he and the driver had "all the hallmarks of a travelling gunman team".

He told Belfast Crown Court that Mr Shoukri was arrested in a car last September armed with a gun, 30 rounds of ammunition, a hammer and knife.

'Shred of evidence'

Mr Shoukri's defence team said that the threat was "real, serious and immediate" and that the hammer and knife belonged to the driver who is a scaffolder.

They added the prosecution had "not produced a shred of evidence" that Mr Shoukri had intent to endanger life.

Mr Shoukri denies a total of four firearms offences, including possession of the pistol and 30 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life, having it under suspicious circumstances and possessing a gun and ammunition without a firearms' certificate.

Judgement is expected in the case next Monday.