Claims as police probe 27 others

NEARLY 30 suspected members of a loyalist paramilitary unit involved in drugs, punishment beatings and loan sharking are under police investigation, a court heard yesterday.

The scale of the probe emerged as a man accused of being operational commander of the UDA in Belfast’s Shankill area was remanded in custody.

David ‘Dee’ Coleman appeared before the city’s Magistrates Court charged with membership of a proscribed organisation between June 14 and October 18 this year.

The 32-year-old, of Hopewell Crescent in Belfast, was arrested by detectives from the PSNI’S Paramilitary Crime Taskforce.

Fourteen searches were carried out at locations in the city, Holywood, Co Down, and Portadown, Co Armagh.

Three other men detained in the operation were released pending reports being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.

There was heavy security as Coleman entered the dock, smiling at associates gathered in the public gallery.

A detective sergeant set out objections to bail based on his alleged highranking membership of the terror group based in the Lower Shankill district.

The officer claimed: “He’s the overall second in command of West Belfast 2nd Battalion, C Company UDA. As well as that role he’s the operational or military commander for the UDA in that area of the Shankill.”

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told paramilitary crime has had a “pernicious, pervasive” impact on local communities. The UDA has been heavily involved in punishment beatings, drug dealing and loan sharking as it preys on the vulnerable, the court heard, with the Shankill area particularly affected.

The detective said Coleman’s alleged role in controlling its illegal activities is based on mobile phone evidence. He described the C Company battalion as a sophisticated organised crime gang and claimed the accused could obstruct the course of justice if released.

The officer added: “It is believed to have at least 27 members, all subject to an ongoing live investigation. Five have been reported and police are seeking two other members, they are on the run at this time.” The court was told how the wider searches recovered a holster and ammunition.

But it was claimed Coleman could frustrate efforts to locate a gun and significant quantities of drugs still believed to be out there.

It was also alleged he could have access to money which could aid any attempt to abscond.

The detective revealed Coleman had a cashcounting machine in his house. He confirmed the accused had been adamant in denying membership throughout interviews, replying when charged: “Absolutely not, I don’t belong to nothing.”

A defence solicitor argued the case against his client was “vague and speculative”. He insisted: “There’s no direct evidence of membership.”

But Judge Bagnall refused bail, citing the risks of re-offending and obstructing the course of justice. She remanded Coleman in custody to appear again by video-link on November 16.

TOLD A BELFAST COURT