Jailed loyalist Mark Haddock has abandoned his legal attempt to ban the media from disclosing his future whereabouts.

An injunction application brought by the alleged police informer, who is facing a fresh charge of murdering a rival paramilitary chief, was struck out at the High Court in Belfast.

His decision not to proceed with the case came just days before it was due to be heard and has been seen as a significant victory for Press freedom. Haddock, an alleged former UVF leader, is close to completing a 10-year jail sentence for attacking a nightclub doorman in 2002.

Amid claims that he is under imminent death threat, the north Belfast man wanted to stop any publication of a planned name change and address after he leaves prison. But his lawyers confirmed yesterday that the action had been dropped. Mr Justice Deeny gave a judgment on consent for the media organisations who contested Haddock’s application.