During a career described by many in the security forces as that of one of the most ruthless of loyalist paramilitaries, Johnny Adair earned an infamous reputation.

He was blamed for directing what was a gruesome sectarian war against Northern Ireland's Catholic community.

But in doing so, the only person ever convicted and jailed for directing terrorism turned himself into a top target for republican paramilitaries.

Freed in 1999 but jailed again this week amid loyalist feuding, the former leader of the Ulster Freedom Fighters courted publicity in 2000 when he publicly threw his weight behind the controversial protest at Drumcree over the disputed Portadown Orange Order march.