'GUN TAXI DRIVER IS UVF DRUG ENFORCER'

Court hears dashcam footage links man to settling drug debts | Defendant claims video incident was 'in jest' as he is refused bail

A TAXI driver filmed allegedly assaulting and threatening a passenger with a suspected handgun is an “enforcer” for loyalist drug dealers, a court heard yesterday. 

Brian Stalford, 48, of Park Avenue, Belfast, appeared in court accused of possession of a pistol or imitation firearm, assault, and making threats to kill on March 26.

Stalford, who appeared via videolink to Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, was also charged with possession of cocaine on June 1.

PSNI Detective Constable Campbell with the paramilitary crime taskforce told the court he could connect Stalford with the charges.

He said that upon arrest, Stalford was found to be in possession of a pouch containing powder and was charged with possession of a Class A- controlled substance.