Ex-UDA leader's accounts frozen

Former UDA leader Jim Gray

The bank accounts of former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray have been frozen, a court has been told.

The 47-year-old, from Knockwood Park in Belfast, was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property. He denies the charges.

A solicitor told Banbridge Magistrates Court that Gray could not access money from his accounts even though there was no court order to freeze them.

Gray appeared by video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his name.

The loyalist, who is currently in Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim, is due to appear at the same court in a week's time.

He was stood down from the UDA leadership in east Belfast in the past few weeks.