Man allegedly shot ex-UVF gangster in the face with crossbow, court hears

Standing handcuffed in the dock of Coleraine Magistrates Court, 42-year-old Matthew Allison confirmed his identity and that he understood the three charges against him, all alleged to have been committed on 8 August this year.

Allison, with an address at Glenarm Court in Ballymena, is accused of possessing a crossbow with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, wounding Moore with intent to cause GBH and attempting to wound a second man, also with intent to cause GBH.

News in 90 seconds – 11th August 2025

None of the facts of the case were opened in court but giving evidence, Detective Constable McClean said he believed he could connect Allison to each of the charges.

It was reported in the Sunday World over the weekend that 54-year-old Moore was hospitalised after he was shot in the face with a crossbow bolt.

Shocking images were circulating on social media, showing how the bolt pierced his cheek and exited just below his jawline.

District Judge Peter King asked the officer what the up-to-date medical position is and DC McClean told him how Moore “released himself from hospital on Friday night and he is going back to get his medication.”

Defence solicitor John McAtamney confirmed that Allison was not applying for bail today as he does not have a proposed bail address outside of Ballymena.

He suggested adjourning the case to Thursday in the hope there could be an address to put forward at that stage.

Remanding Allison into custody, Judge King ordered that he will appear again on 14 August at Ballymena court.