Brothers admit feud murder role

Mr English was shot dead in front of his wife in October 2000

Two brothers have admitted having a role in the shooting dead of a man in a loyalist paramilitary feud eight years ago.

The men pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the murder of UDA member Tommy English in October 2000.

David Stewart, 38, from Ballyearl Crescent, and Robert Stewart, 34, from Carntall Rise in Newtownabbey also admitted being in the UVF.

Mr English, 40, was shot in front of his wife in his Newtownabbey home.

The judge remanded the brothers in custody for sentencing at a later date.

It is the first case brought to court by the historical enquiries team (HET), a special police team set up to investigate murders during the troubles.

HET director David Cox said it was a "positive development" in their work investigating 19 murders, 14 attempted murders and other crime associated with the UVF in the Mount Vernon area of Belfast.

"We have made a commitment to the other families who lost loved ones as a result of the violence carried out by this paramilitary group.

"It is our hope that today's result will serve as a demonstration of our commitment to the families and will inspire others to come forward with information."