Supergrass Trial: Robert Stewart dovrà essere visitato da uno psichiatra

Supergrass to be seen by psychiatrist

A key witness in the supergrass trial of alleged UVF leader Mark Haddock and 13 suspected associates is to be seen by a psychiatrist before he continues giving evidence against them.

Robert Stewart, 37, briefly took the witness box at Belfast Crown Court for a tenth day – but a doctor was called as he had earlier complained to his police handlers of feeling unwell.

Prosecution QC Gordon Kerr told Diplock judge Mr Justice Gillen that Stewart had claimed he was suffering from “a sore head and was not sleeping properly”.

The court rose to allow Stewart to be examined but, within 30 minutes, the judge was informed that the doctor had said the witness was not fit to give evidence for the day – and that it “would not be reliable” if he did.

Mr Kerr added that the doctor had advised Stewart be seen by a psychiatrist before he continues with his evidence.

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday, but Mr Justice Gillen said he was “very anxious” to keep proceedings moving and that other witnesses should be lined up in case Stewart can’t continue for two or three days.

Self-confessed UVF brothers Robert and David Stewart are giving crucial evidence in return for their own lesser sentences on charges connected to UDA boss Tommy English’s murder.

The 14 men in the dock deny almost 100 charges – nine of them, including Haddock, are charged with Mr English’s murder, UVF membership and other related offences.