Colonel Tim Collins gave me court reference, says senior loyalist David ‘Dee’ Stitt

Retired British Army Colonel Tim Collins provided a court reference for alleged UDA commander and convicted armed robber David ‘Dee Stitt’, it has been claimed. The high-profile north Down loyalist made the claim during an interview with a far-right activist circulated online this week.The prominent loyalist has also claimed MI5 tried to recruit him in Maghaberry Prison two years ago and that his arrest was authorised by the then Secretary of State, which at the time was Hilary Benn. Although originally from east Belfast, Stitt, who describes himself as a “leading loyalist”, has lived in the Bangor area of north Down for several decades.Child sex image offenders could have their convictions overturned following Supreme Court ruling on prominent loyalistOpens in new windowLoyalist ‘Dee’ Sti