Loyalist murder suspect Winston Winkie Rea dies
- Published
Winston Rea was accused of murders as well as membership of the paramilitary group, the Red Hand Commando
A prominent loyalist who was standing trial on multiple charges related to the Troubles, including two murders, has died.
Winston Rea - known as Winkie - from Groomsport in County Down, had denied all the charges against him.
His prosecution arose from interviews he gave to an oral history project at Boston College.
Two of the charges against him were for the murders of Catholic men John Devine and John O'Hara more than 30 years ago.
He was also accused of membership of the paramilitary group, the Red Hand Commando.
Winston Rea, seen at one of the court hearings, played a role in helping bring about the loyalist ceasefires in 1994
His trial was disrupted several times, including due to his ill health and had last adjourned in early 2021.
Recently, efforts were being made to have the trial re-listed in order that it could conclude.
Mr Rea was in his early 70s.
At the outset of the peace process, he played a role in helping bring about the loyalist ceasefires in 1994.
He was then part of the Progressive Unionist Party team during negotiations which resulted in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Mr Rea had served time in prison during the Troubles.
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