Supergrass Trial: Robert Stewart malato per il secondo giorno consecutivo

Supergrass unwell for second day

A star witness in the so-called supergrass trial in Belfast has been excused from the witness box until Monday after complaining of feeling unwell.

Following a 20 minute comfort break, prosecuting QC Gordon Kerr told Diplock trial judge Mr Justice Gillen that Stewart was unwell again so was unable to return to the witness box.

The judge said he had clearly not recovered from feeling unwell on Tuesday and so adjourned hearing more of Stewart’s evidence until Monday.

However, he told the numerous barristers he was anxious to continue on with other aspects of the case and ordered that he wanted to hear from other witnesses or have agreed statements read to the court, telling the lawyers: “Make it happen”.

Earlier Steward denied he was “as cynical, devious and unscrupulous” as he ever was, telling defence QC Barry Macdonald: “You don’t know me.”

On Tuesday the trial was adjourned after Stewart claimed he was suffering from “a sore head and was not sleeping properly”.

A doctor examined the self-confessed UVF member now turned Queen’s evidence and deemed him unfit to give evidence for the day – and that it “would not be reliable” if he did.

The doctor also advised Stewart be seen by a psychiatrist before he continues with his evidence.

The 37-year-old has been giving evidence against 14 men including former UVF boss Mark Haddock who deny almost 100 charges – nine of them, including Haddock, are charged with the murder of UDA boss Tommy English, UVF membership and other related offences.

Mr English was gunned down in front of his wife and children in Newtownabbey in 2000.

The trial continues.