LOYALIST GROUP CLAIMS BELFAST MURDER

LOYALIST GROUP CLAIMS BELFAST MURDER
02/24/05 11:14 EST

Loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Defenders (Ulster
Defense Association/Ulster Freedom Fighter cover name) has
claimed it murdered a man in Belfast earlier this month.


Stephen Montgomery, from Mountainview Drive, was found
unconscious with head injuries on Jamaica Road, Ardoyne, in
the early hours of 13 February.


He died later in hospital. At the time, police thought the
34-year-old may have been the victim of a hit-and-run.


Police say they will continue to treat this as the cause of
death until the veracity of the claim is established.


The Red Hand Defenders said it was responsible in a phone
call to a Belfast newsroom today. A number of people were
questioned about the killing and released pending reports to
the DPP.
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