Ousted UDA chief Jim Gray was remanded in custody today on charges of money laundering.
The 47-year-old former east Belfast 'brigadier' appeared before Banbridge Magistrates Court after being arrested on Thursday afternoon outside Loughbrickland, Co Down.
Gray was charged with possession of criminal property and concealment of criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The court heard that when arrested Gray had in his possession a Northern Bank bankers draft to the value of €10,000. He also had Sterling notes to the value of £2,720 and €270 in notes. When charged on the first count Gray replied that he could account for all the possessions found on him.
On the second charge of concealment of criminal possessions, he said that he did not understand the charge. A detective sergeant from the PSNI's Crime Operations Department said he believed he could connect the defendant to both charges.
The Resident Magistrate, Paul Copeland, said that he was not satisfied Gray was a worthy candidate for bail and remanded him in custody. He was ordered to reappear before Banbridge Magistrates Court by video link on April 14th.
Gray, nicknamed 'Doris Day' was well-known for his bleach-blond hair, heavy gold jewellery, year-round tan and lavish lifestyle. He was stood down by his own east Belfast faction of the UDA, which has long been accused of drug-dealing and Mafia-style crimes.
He was one of six so-called brigadiers on the inner council of Northern Ireland's largest loyalist terror grouping. Although his toppling was seen as an attempt by UDA leaders to clean up its image, others dismissed it as a publicity stunt.
PA