A leading Co Armagh loyalist accused of conspiracy to murder told police officers he was charged for political reasons only, a court in Craigavon heard yesterday.
Mr Mark Fulton (41), from Portadown, was arrested on Monday by police officers investigating the murder of Lurgan solicitor Ms Rosemary Nelson in March 1999.
Yesterday, Mr Fulton appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court on a charge unconnected to Mrs Nelson's death. He has been accused of conspiring to murder Mr Rodney James Jennett, some time between April 1st and May 11th this year.
A detective sergeant told the court that when charged Mr Fulton replied: "Most definitely not guilty. I'm being charged purely for political reasons and political reasons only."
Mr Fulton was remanded in custody until December 13th and legal aid was granted for a High Court bail application.