No explanation why weapons were in boot of loyalist’s car, court hears
Winston Irvine and Robin Workman will be sentenced next week for firearms offences.
No explanation has yet been provided why a leading loyalist had firearms and ammunition in the boot of his car, a court has been told.
However, a barrister for Winston Irvine said his “long-term commitment to peace-building in Northern Ireland” should be taken into account when he is sentenced for weapons offences.
Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast and co-accused Robin Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, County Antrim were both remanded in custody following a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday.
They had previously admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate.
Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate.
The court heard that the offences were committed on June 8 2022.
