UVF supergrass who admits 200 offences including murder may go free

A loyalist supergrass, who pleaded guilty to more than 200 terror offences, including five murders, could walk free, despite no charges arising from his cooperation with authorities.

Gary Haggarty, a former commander of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), could soon enter a new life with a fresh identity.

A contentious state deal meant that he will receive a significantly reduced prison term in exchange for his evidence when he is sentenced at the end of the month.

He could theoretically walk free given he has already served three years in custody on remand – the equivalent of a six-year sentence.

Thirteen suspects implicated by Haggarty, including two former police officers, will not be prosecuted, Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced yesterday.

It said there was insufficient corroborating evidence to support his allegations.

Prosecutors are still considering the cases of three remaining suspects named by killer and long-time police informer Haggarty, related to three murders, with decisions expected by the end of the month.

Haggarty, who is currently in protective custody, also admitted five attempted murders, including against police officers; 23 counts of conspiracy to murder; and directing terrorism.