A man in his late fifties who was accused of a plot to kill the Ulster loyalist Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ Adair in Scotland has walked free from court in Glasgow.
John Gorman, 58, was on trial at the high court in Glasgow with Antoin Duffy, 39, also known as Anton, Martin Hughes, 36, and Paul Sands, 31, accused of conspiring to murder Adair and Sam McCrory, the last leader of Ulster Defence Association (UDA) prisoners in Northern Ireland’s Maze prison.
Gorman has been cleared of these charges and terrorism charges.
Advocate depute Paul Kearney, prosecuting, told the jury: “I am withdrawing the libel against Mr Gorman.”
He also withdrew charges against Gary Convery, 34, who was accused of involvement in organised crime.
Judge Lady Scott said: “Mr Gorman and Mr Convery, I formally find you not guilty of the charges of which you were accused. You are free to leave the dock.”
Gorman was arrested and questioned in October 2013 in connection with alleged acts of terrorism. From the time of his detention, he vehemently denied any involvement in terrorism.
Gorman, who is known by the nickname Piddy, told police during an interview: “I can’t believe I’m in here for terrorism. I don’t know where this information is coming from.”
The jury also heard that Gorman’s home in Irvine was searched by police for eight hours and no literature connected in any way with the Troubles in Ireland was found there.
The trial against Duffy, Hughes and Sands on charges of terrorism and plotting to murder Adair and McCrory continues. Duffy is also accused of plotting to murder Derek McGill, the governor of Barlinnie prison, near Glasgow.
The trio deny all the charges against them.
Speaking outside court, Gorman’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said: “All charges against Mr Gorman have now been withdrawn. He wishes to thank me, his solicitor, counsel Edward Targowski QC and Sarah Livingstone for their representation on his behalf.
“After 38 days of trial Mr Gorman stands clear from any criminal charges. However, no further statement can be made at this time due to ongoing proceedings.”
