Coroner call on inquest witnesses

Jim Gray was expelled from the UDA leadership in March 2005

Northern Ireland's senior coroner has called for extra powers to compel witnesses to attend inquests.

John Leckey was speaking at the inquest into the death of murdered ex-UDA leader Jim Gray, 47, after one of the witnesses failed to turn up.

Gray was shot outside his father's home at Knockwood Park, Belfast, in 2005.

Mr Leckey said coroners could not issue bench warrants, adding: "It makes a mockery of an inquest when... a key witness cannot be compelled to attend."

Mr Leckey said coroners could only fine those who ignored witnesses summonses.

Detective Inspector Deborah McMaster told the inquest she believed those responsible for the murder to be members of the UDA.

However, she said despite a number of arrests no-one had been charged.

"The inquiry has more or less come to a dead end," she said.

She said that Gray had been warned by police of intelligence that he was under threat some time before the murder. He had made no comment to them on who he thought was behind the threat.

The paramilitary had been living with his father since being freed on bail on money laundering charges.

He was wary about callers to the house but didn't say anything about a threat Elizabeth Gray Sister

The inquest heard Gray had been shot twice in the body with a Magnum revolver causing massive internal haemorrhaging.

Gray's father, James, told the inquest he did not know who was responsible for killing his son and that he had been unaware he was under threat.

The murdered man's sister, Elizabeth Gray, said: "He was wary about callers to the house, but he didn't say anything about a threat. He didn't want to worry me or scare me."

Recording that Gray had been killed by two bullets in the trunk, the coroner said: "It was carefully planned and ruthlessly executed."

He described the victim as "a very well known and prominent member of the UDA in east Belfast."

Gray was expelled from the UDA leadership in March 2005.

Gray had a reputation for dressing flamboyantly and wearing heavy gold jewellery.

This earned him a number of derisory nicknames including 'Doris Day' and the 'Brigadier of Bling'.