Man is cleared of UDA membership

One of six men accused of helping to organise a UDA "show of strength" has been cleared of membership of the terror group.

George McHenry, 40, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of supporting the terrorists.

The trial of the remaining accused, including Ihab Shoukri, is continuing behind closed doors as legal arguments are being submitted.

The men were arrested at the Alexandra bar in north Belfast in March 2006.

Belfast Crown Court has been told the men were attending a dress rehearsal for a UDA show of strength at which the group was to announce it would never disband.

Mr Shoukri, 34, from Westland Drive, denies membership of the UDA, professing to be a member and supporting the UDA "by assisting in arranging or managing a meeting" of the terror group.

Gary McKenzie, 36, from Clare Heights and 39-year-old Samuel Todd Robinson of Arosa Crescent, Belfast, both deny UDA membership and supporting the organisation.

Bar owner John Davis, 50, of Glebe Manor, Glengormley, and 21-year-old Alan John McClean of Westland Drive, Belfast, both deny supporting the UDA.