A man accused of possessing a gun said he got it for self-defence after the Ulster Freedom Fighters murdered his wife, Belfast Magistrates' Court was told yesterday.
Mr James Clinton (37), from Hawthorn Drive, Belfast, was charged with possessing a Beretta .22 pistol and nine rounds of ammunition last Monday with intent to endanger life.
A detective said Mr Clinton replied to the charge: "Not guilty. This weapon was for the defence of myself, my partner and our children."
Mr Clinton's wife Theresa (34) was shot dead in the family home at Balfour Avenue, off the Ormeau Road, in April, 1994.
At the time the UFF said he was the intended target and described him as a former Sinn Fein election candidate.
Yesterday's hearing was told that Mr Clinton was now living with a Mrs McBride, whose husband was also said to have been shot dead by loyalists.
Resident Magistrate Daniel Magill said Mr Clinton had admitted possession of a weapon capable of endangering life and that was sufficient to remand him.
"The matter of self-defence is one for the trial," he added.
Mr Clinton was remanded in custody to the Maze Court on February 25th.