In a double murder trial related to the killings of Eamon Fox and Gary Convie in Belfast in May 1994, Gary Haggarty, an ex-Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) commander and the main prosecution witness, claimed that police had the opportunity to arrest the alleged killer, James Stewart Smyth, two weeks before the murders occurred.
Haggarty stated that he had informed Special Branch, the Royal Ulster Constabulary's counter-terrorism unit, about Smyth's whereabouts and involvement in the murders.
Smyth is on trial for the murders of Fox and Convie, as well as other charges related to the incident. Haggarty, who has admitted to his involvement in the murders and is providing evidence against Smyth, discussed his relationship with Special Branch and his knowledge of other informers within the UVF during the trial. Smyth, 57, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.