Loyalist loses bid for anonymity

The alleged informer is serving a 10-year sentence

A former leading Belfast loyalist, linked by the police ombudsman to over a dozen murders, has lost his fight to stop the media photographing him.

Mark Haddock, from Mount Vernon, wanted a media blackout on his new identity when he leaves prison early next year.

He is serving a 10-year sentence for attacking a nightclub doorman.

Haddock is still seeking bans on the publication of his new address as well as his proposed change of name, claiming that he is under death threat.

He was screened from public view in the High Court on Friday when Mr Justice Deeny ruled that there had not been a material alteration in his appearance to justify Haddock's claim for a publicity ban.

The BBC, UTV and Irish News had opposed Haddock's move for secrecy.