Changed Times.......Maskeys brother provides reference for supporter of UDA

[Minder]

Maskey brother's reference for Alexandra Bar accused By Staff reporter
01/07/08

A BROTHER of a former Sinn Fein mayor has provided a reference to a loyalist convicted of helping the UDA. A reference from Liam Maskey – the director of the Intercomm peace initiative and the brother of Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey – was handed into court on behalf of Samuel Todd Robinson.

Robinson who was found in the Alexandra Bar during a rehearsal for a meeting glorifying the UDA has been remanded in custody over the summer months.

The father-of-four from Arosa Crescent in the city, was one of a number of men found in the north Belfast pub when police stormed the premises on March 2, 2006.

Robinson was found behind the bar when officers forced their way into the York Street premises where they discovered a group of men preparing for a meeting to commemorate the loyalist paramilitary organisation.

The 39-year old was charged with both being a member of and supporting a prescribed organisation, namely the UDA. Earlier this year he was acquitted of the membership charge but was found guilty of supporting the UDA.

He appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court yesterday where it emerged he committed the offence at the Alexandra Bar whilst out on licence.

In 2002 Robinson had been jailed for nine years after he pleaded guilty to the attempted blackmailing of a north Down businessman.

However Robinson, who had claimed to be acting for the UVF, was released early from prison on licence in July 2005.

After legal issues were raised surrounding the legislation on those who breach their licence, Lord Justice Girvan said he was adjourning sentencing until September.

Before sentencing was adjourned, Robinson's barrister told the court the accused should be judged "on the man he is now and not the man he was in March 2006."

The barrister revealed his client has engaged in community work in north Belfast which has been aimed at reducing violence and sectarian tensions at interface areas.

Regarding the event at the Alexandra Bar, the defence barrister said the intended meeting was a "private affair" with an emphasis on the UDA moving away from violence and entering the political arena and was "quite different from a show of strength."

The barrister pointed out that when police stormed the pub, Robinson and the pub's owner were found behind the bar and were not dressed in any paramilitary clothing – unlike some of his co-accused.

Robinson's fingerprints were found on a speech seized by police. Telling the court his client may have been shown the speech, the barrister there was "no suggestion" the defendant "played any role in preparing that speech."

He also spoke of Robinson's good working record and said that whilst he was unemployed at present, he had worked in a number of positions including on oil rigs.

Lord Justice Girvan remanded Robinson in custody until sentencing on September 9 when he said the court "will take into account the period he has spent on remand."

[donalmac99]

what next eh?

[ziggysego]

what next eh?

Next thing you know, the DUP and Sinn Fein will go into Government together and the Alliance Party will hold the Policing and Security Ministery. ;

[Gaoth Dobhair Abu]

what next eh?

Next thing you know, the DUP and Sinn Fein will go into Government together and the Alliance Party will hold the Policing and Security Ministery. ;

Ah ffs Ziggy, be real, you'll be telling me next that Big Ian will be in Dublin laughing and exchanging gifts with the "teashock" of the papist free state! 

[T Fearon]

These things have been going on since time immemorial. Didn't the late Martin Meehan present the late Shankhill Butcher, Lenny Murphy, with a wooden harp that he had carved in Long Kesh?

[Solomon Kane]

There was also widespread collusion between the Provos and loyalists. Nothing new here.

[Evil Genius]

You couldn't make it up.  No wait, this guy came close: