Man who spied for Special Branch talks with UDA boss
By Stephen Breen
Monday 12, November 2007
The top UDA man who outed himself as a Special Branch agent has met with senior loyalist Jackie McDonald to discuss his shock revelations.
Jon McDowell - Tommy Kirkham’s right-hand man in south east Antrim - was last night still in hiding after he was forced to flee his Carrickfergus home, late on Saturday night.
The former soldier - codenamed ‘Lee Michaels’ - requested the meeting with the south Belfast UDA boss after outlining his experiences as a paid police informer to the Sunday Life newspaper.
He was also set to meet with his Special Branch handlers to discuss his admission.
The 28-year-old, who is set to move to the Republic, used his meeting with the leading loyalist to provide information on criminality in south east Antrim.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, the ex-Beyond Conflict spokesman said he had “no regrets” about coming forward.
Mr McDowell said: “I said my goodbyes to my family and friends on Saturday night and they knew why I had to get this off my chest.
“After meeting my family, I arranged a meeting with Jackie McDonald because I wanted to tell him about my experiences over the last three years. The meeting was very positive and I hope to meet with them again.
“I was given assurances from the mainstream UDA that I would not be targeted but they could not guarantee my safety from UDA elements in south east Antrim.
“I can never return home and I wouldn’t be surprised if they attacked one of the flats I used to live in. I have to get out of here but I have no regrets about coming forward.
“This was a very big thing for me to do and I’m just relieved everything is now out in the open. I am very proud to have served the Crown in this way.”
The Co Antrim man told how he had saved two men from loyalist hit squads, tipped off police on a wide range of issues, received cash and was forced to join the UDA.
He added: “My life has been in turmoil for the last three years and I just couldn’t go on living in a world of constant fear.
“The main reason I started working for Special Branch was because the UDA gave me a vicious beating and forced me to join their ranks. They did this to hundreds of young men.
“I was always looking over my shoulder because I was providing information to my handlers on a whole range of matters and individuals. Whatever I was picking up I was passing it on.”
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands