Johnny '˜Mad Dog' Adair in plea to bury son '˜with dignity'

Former loyalist leader Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair has said he wants to bury his son with dignity.

Johnny Adar will lay his son to rest today after he died from an accidental overdose. Picture: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Jonathan Adair Jnr, 32, was found dead at a property in Templehill, Troon, Ayrshire earlier this month.

The death was initially treated as unexplained by police but it is understood that he died from an accidental drugs overdose after being released from prison for motoring offences.

His funeral is being held later on Friday at a crematorium near Troon.

A number of Adair Snr’s associates and supporters from Belfast are expected to travel to the seaside town for the funeral, despite “warnings” from loyalist paramilitaries to stay away.

He told the Belfast Telegraph newspaper: “I just want to bury my son. I want to bury him with dignity and in peace.

“The support I have had from back home has been overwhelming.

“If a few individuals are trying to stop people attending (the funeral) it’s because they are afraid of me. They are afraid of me regrouping and coming after them.”

Adair Snr was a leading figure in the Ulster Defence Association during the Troubles in Northern Ireland but his reign ended in a feud.

He moved to Scotland with his family after being released from prison as part of the Good Friday Agreement and has lived in Ayrshire for a number of years.

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