A key prosecution witness in the trial of Craigavon man Mr Clifford McKeown accused of murdering taxi-driver Michael McGoldrick as a birthday present for LVF leader Billy Wright is to be allowed to give her evidence screened from the court.
Belfast Crown Court judge Mr Justice Weatherup ruled that the "screening" would have a "minimum interference" on 43-year-old Clifford McKeown's right to a fair and full public trial.
The judge said he considered the woman "an important witness" and while she may be screened only from the public who would not see her giving evidence, they would still be able to hear that evidence.
Mr Justice Weatherup said that having heard from the detective inspector in charge of the case he was "satisfied that this witness is fearful and has sought protection if she is to give evidence". The woman's fears were "objectively justified" and allowing her to give her evidence screened from the public would "alleviate" those fears to a certain extent.
Earlier, Det Insp Ian Monteith claimed the "brutal murder" of Mr McGoldrick in July 1996 "still instills fear in the mid-Ulster area, particularly in the Lurgan area".
"In fact," he added, "the impact of the murder has never been lost sight of within the community.
"This is possibly one of the most fearful witnesses I have ever come across in my career," he said.
Mr McKeown denies murdering Mr McGoldrick (37), who was shot five times in the back of the head in the early hours of July 8th, 1996 after being lured to the Aghagallon area on the outskirts of Lurgan.