Murder victim ‘had blamed UDA for attack’
Glenn died from injuries after beating in flat
A terminally ill man beaten to death in his Carrickfergus flat in January 2020 said the UDA was responsible for the attack before he died from his injuries, it has emerged.
It is believed individuals with links to the South East Antrim UDA carried out the fatal assault on Glenn Quinn, despite three men alleging to be from the terror group claiming there would be no repercussions for witnesses who come forward to police with information.
Mr Quinn (47), who had no connections to the paramilitary organisation, was beaten to death by three people with baseball bats and an iron bar in his flat.
He suffered horrific head injuries and facial injuries as well as 14 broken ribs and a broken collar bone. His killers laughed as they left him dying alone.
The Quinn family have spoken publicly about the barbaric murder in the hope their loved one’s killers will be convicted, but have received threats themselves as a result. Police renewed their appeal for information over Mr Quinn’s murder on the first anniversary of his killing.
It was revealed during last night’s BBC Spotlight investigation into the south east Antrim gang, that Mr Quinn told a friend the UDA were responsible for the attack.
According to the account he gave before he died, Mr Quinn had come to the UDA’S attention because he privately criticised an attack on a friend’s business.
He was assaulted and threatened outside his flat in December 2019, but on January 3, he was attacked inside the property by three men who brought a dog.
He spoke on the phone to his brother Martin and a friend after the assault, but his body was found the next day.
The South East Antrim UDA has been blamed for a string of unsolved murders since 1998 and according to a recent Mi5/police intelligence assessment shared with Spotlight, the terrorist outfit “has access to arms” and is “heavily involved in drugs supply, community coercion, intimidation and other criminality”.
Speaking to Spotlight’s Jennifer
O’leary, Martin Quinn recalled the telephone conversation he had with his brother after the attack.
He said Glenn was “quite lucid” and “by no means” did he believe his brother had been assaulted so badly as he had been.
“I still blame myself — that I didn’t act, didn’t do more, didn’t phone an ambulance,” stated Martin.
“I wish I’d spoke longer to him. I wish I’d have said so many other things and if I had knew that this was the last conversation I was going to have with Glenn, [I would have told] him how much I loved him.”
A friend of Glenn, who wished to remain anonymous, also gave his account of their phone call.
“Glenn told me, ‘they beat me with bats and bars’,” said the friend. “I asked who. ‘The UDA,’ he said.”
Spotlight: Drugs, murder and fear is available to watch now on BBC iplayer.
Suspected UVF memorabilia found at the home of an alleged leader of a show of strength in east Belfast is from the First World War, the High Court heard yesterday.
Counsel for Stephen Matthews argued that the seized flag and plaque were historical items he is legally entitled to own.
But the 58-year-old was refused bail amid prosecution claims that he headed a gathering of masked men linked to the paramilitary organisation who forced residents to flee their homes.
Citing the risk of further offences, Mr Justice Mcfarland said: “I base that on the memorabilia which I do not accept date back to 1914 or thereabouts.”
Matthews, of Pansy Street in Belfast, is accused of unlawful assembly and affray over the incident at Pitt Park on February 2.
His 34-year-old son, David Matthews, of Millreagh in Dundonald, and Derek Lammey (56), from Spring Place in Belfast, are in custody on the same charges.
With the case against them based on disputed identification evidence from police officers, the defendants deny involvement.
Up to 60 men were said to have arrived in the area, using scarves and hoods to cover their faces.
According to the prosecution the gathering then split up, with Stephen Matthews and Lammey playing leadership roles as they headed the first sub-group into Pitt Park.
Crown lawyer Natalie Pinkerton said 11 members of the public fled to the nearby Ballymac Community Centre, remaining for up to eight days under a constant police presence.
“This included a pregnant woman, children and they also brought their dogs from their homes due to concerns for their safety,” she said.
“They told police that they feared for their safety and their lives.”
Residents claimed the group of men were part of the East Belfast UVF, but would not name any individuals due to a fear of reprisals.
None of the defendants are charged with membership of a proscribed organisation.
However, Ms Pinkerton submitted: “Based on the evidence it is the police belief that all of these men are members of the UVF.”
She disclosed that a UVF flag and placard with the inscription East Belfast UVF were seized during searches of Stephen Matthews’ home.
During police interviews he stated that they can be lawfully bought in local shops.
Defence barrister Richard McConkey argued: “The items referred to as being seized from his house are historical items that are not illegal to own or to hold.
“It is indicative of the prosecution throwing anything they can at this case to thwart this man from being admitted to bail.”
Asked to clarify what he meant by historical, counsel replied: “First World War, on my instructions.”
The judge said: “I’m surprised the flag goes back to 1914.”
Ruling that Matthews must remain in custody, he also identified a potential risk of interference with witnesses. Based on the case opened in court, Mr Justice Mcfarland added: “He does have an interest and a support for an illegal organisation, although that in itself is not a crime.”