A LARNE priest has made representations on behalf of a loyalist prisoner who believes his life is in danger because he has evidence of criminal collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries.
Father Pat Buckley has written to the governor of Maghaberry Prison and to the Northern Secretary seeking an urgent review of the safety and welfare of Aaron Rockett, who is serving a sentence for armed robbery.
Rockett claims he is being "slowly poisoned" by inmates introducing substances into his food. As a result, he is not eating regularly and is suffering rapid weight loss, Father Buckley said.
The prisoner is complaining of chest pains and other medical problems. He claims medical attention is delayed when he draws attention to these.
The Larne priest has agreed to perform the marriage ceremony for Rockett and his fiancee a former women's prison officer. The couple are Protestants but Rockett has said that Father Buckley is the only man he trusts.
"Mr Rockett truly believes his life to be in danger within the prison," Father Buckley's letter states.
The Northern Ireland Prisons Service has confirmed receiving Father Buckley's letter, and in a statement said the points raised would be investigated. It pointed out that no complaint had been received from Rockett himself, and said the service was confident his food had not been tampered with.