The spokesman for the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community, Mr Gerard Rice, has been refused protection measures at his home, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday. Mr Rice applied for leave to seek a judicial review of the decision of the Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, refusing him admission to the key persons protection scheme.
The court was told about shots beings fired into Mr Rice's home, his name being found on a loyalist hit list, and the discovery of his personal details on British army files found last month in Stoneyford Orange Hall.
His lawyer said that following the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson, two leading members of the Garvaghy Road Residents Association had been given home protection.
Mr Justice Kerr adjourned the application until tomorrow, adding that the court was "acutely conscious" of the threat to Mr Rice and his family.