Trio jailed for Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ Adair murder plot

Three men who plotted to murder former loyalist leader Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair in Scotland have been jailed.

Anton Duffy, 39, Martin Hughes, 36, and Paul Sands, 32, were convicted in July of conspiring to kill former Ulster Defence Association (UDA) chief Adair and his right-hand man, Sam McCrory.

Following a nine-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow, Duffy and Hughes were also convicted of terrorism charges.

Duffy – the “instigator and driving force” behind the plot – was jailed for 17 years when he returned to the court for sentencing. He will also be supervised for a further three years following his release, under the terms of an extended sentence imposed by judge Lady Scott.

Hughes was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment, while Sands given an extended sentence, involving 10 years behind bars and supervision for a further three years after release.

Two other men found guilty of organised crime charges were also jailed at the same hearing.

Craig Convery, 37, was locked up for nine years while his associate, Gordon Brown, 30, was given a six-year jail term.