One of the men accused of murdering loyalist paramilitary chief Tommy English has appeared in court charged with new terrorist offences connected to a pipe bombing seven years ago.
Ronald Bowe, 33, was arrested by detectives investigating an alleged attempt to stop a doorman from testifying about a brutal assault he was subjected to.
Trevor Gowdy was beaten outside a social club in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim in December 2002 - an attack for which former top loyalist and alleged police agent Mark Haddock was given a 10-year jail sentence.
Bowe, formerly of Mount Vernon Road, Belfast, has been charged with conspiracy to intimidate Mr Gowdy, conspiracy to cause an explosion, possession of explosives, and membership of the outlawed Ulster Volunteer Force.
The alleged offences relate to a pipe bomb strike in September 2003 at the family home in Larne, Co Antrim of Mr Gowdy's then girlfriend.
Three other men have also been charged in connection with the attack.
The case has been brought by officers from the PSNI's serious crime branch as part of Operation Ballast, an ongoing investigation into UVF crime in north Belfast.
A detective sergeant told Belfast Magistrates Court he could connect Bowe with the offences.
A defence lawyer confirmed no bail application would be made as the accused is currently in custody.
Bowe is among 11 men charged over the assassination of English, a high-ranking member of the rival Ulster Defence Assocation, in October 2000.
The 40-year-old victim was gunned down in front of his wife at their home on the Ballyduff estate, Newtownabbey during a paramilitary feud which claimed four lives in five days.
Bowe was remanded in custody to appear again via video-link next month.
© UTV News