Ciaran Barnes

1 week ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Ciaran Barnes

Double agent Brian Nelson alleged terror godfather received kickbacks from racketeer who was later murdered by gangLate UDA godfather Andy Tyrie was targeted for murder by the terror gang over allegations he was receiving kickbacks from loyalist racketeer Jim Craig.

1 week ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Ciaran Barnes

LATEST | Jailed gunrunner Winkie Irvine demands UVF role back on release… and could trigger gang turmoilTerror boss desperate to get money-spinning ‘commander’ position but new bosses have no intention of agreeingWinkie Irvine previously sat on a north Belfast community policing partnership despite being pictured throwing a crate during a riot (bottom right) and being identified as a masked UVF member reading a terror statement (top right).

2 weeks ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Ciaran Barnes

Parole body under fire for freeing lifer despite drugs and porn historyA killer rapist has been thrown back behind bars just one week after being let out on licence. The decision by parole commissioners to free Ricky Close is now the subject of intense internal criticism as he had been suspended from earlier pre-release schemes on multiple occasions.

2 weeks ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Ciaran Barnes

Double agent ordered to bug meetings to gather evidence, claims republicanAn alleged New IRA leader charged with directing terrorism believes he was targeted by MI5 over the British Government’s embarrassment at the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Davy Jordan — who was accused in court of describing himself as the self-styled “chair of the New IRA army council” — shared the theory in recent writings on social media.

2 weeks ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Ciaran Barnes

Travel review: Magical Donegal weaves a spellCiaran Barnes goes on a journey of discovery in Ireland’s northernmost county, famed not only for its natural beauty, but for its tweed heritage tooMillford Park hotel is located on the edge of Donegal townWhen someone mentions Donegal, what do you think of? Blue-flag beaches, imposing mountains, jaw-dropping cliffs, stunning forests.