An appeal by the loyalist, Johnny Adair, against his return to prison has been put on hold following concerns about his entitlement to free legal aid.
The former UDA leader's case was due to be heard in the Court of Appeal in Belfast tomorrow but has been adjourned indefinitely. It is understood the reason is that legal aid authorities have raised questions about whether Adair is entitled to have his legal bills paid out of the public purse.
Lawyers for Adair (39) lodged an appeal in March against the dismissal of a judicial review challenging the decision of the Northern Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy, to send him back to Maghaberry prison in January. Mr Murphy decided that Adair had breached his licence by engaging in widespread crime.