One of the most prominent figures in Belfast's loyalist paramilitary underworld, who was involved in the earliest outbreak of the Northern Ireland troubles almost half a century ago, has died at the age of 78.
Augustus "Gusty" Spence evolved from early militancy into a committed peacemaker in a dramatic change which happened during his 18-year prison sentence for murder.
Although his attempts to build a loyalist political wing similar to Sinn Fein proved unsuccessful, his abandonment of violence was acknowledged by republicans and others.
Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly said he had made a valuable contribution to the peace process, adding: "Many nationalists will remember him as central to the sectarianism that gave birth to the modern loyalist paramilitary.
"However, he did dedicate himself to peace and reconciliation for much of his later life, so he will also be remembered as a major influence in drawing loyalism away from sectarian strife."
