Shoukri admits being UDA member

Ihab Shoukri pleaded guilty to be in the UDA

North Belfast loyalist Ihab Shoukri has pleaded guilty to being a member of the UDA at Belfast Crown Court.

Shoukri and five other men were arrested at a bar in March 2006. The court was told they were involved in a rehearsal for a UDA show of strength.

Four of the others also admitted charges ranging from UDA membership to supporting the organisation. One man remains on trial.

The five have been released on bail and will be sentenced at a later date.

Shoukri, 34, from Westland Drive, admitted being a member of the UDA on between 31 January and 3 March 2006.

He also pleaded guilty to charges that on 2 March 2006 he "professed to belong" to the UDA and he supported the terror group by "assisting in arranging or managing a meeting on behalf of the UDA".

Alongside Shoukri in the dock was 36-year-old Gary McKenzie, from Clare Heights, Belfast, who also admitted being a member of the UDA and supporting the organisation.

Alan McClean, 21, from Westland Drive, pleaded guilty to supporting the UDA in that he assisted in arranging or managing a meeting on behalf it.

Earlier, 50-year-old Alexandra Bar owner John Davis, of Glebe Manor Glengormley, admitted aiding and abetting the support of a proscribed orgainsation, while on Tuesday George McHenry, 40, of Ardoyne Road, admitted supporting the terrorists.

Samuel Todd Robinson, 39, of Arosa Crescent, Belfast, denies a charge of UDA membership.

All six men were arrested at the Alexandra bar in York Street in March 2006.