Northern Ireland's largest trial for more than 20 years has begun hearing evidence from a former UVF member.
14 accused, who range in age from 32 to 46, have all pleaded not guilty to a total of 97 offences.
Nine of the defendants, including leading loyalist Mark Haddock, are accused of murder.
Opening the prosecution's case today, lawyers said the killing of senior UDA man Tommy English almost 12 years ago took place during a violent feud between loyalist factions when "tit for tat" murders were being carried out.
The court heard the father-of-three young children was shot a number of times at his home in Newtownabbey on Halloween Night in 2000 and died a short time later.
Today, amid tight security at a court in Belfast, former UVF member Robert Stewart alleged that in the hours before the murder, Mark Haddock told the gunman "try to miss the kids".
Mr Stewart said Mr Haddock had a smirk on his face.
Robert Stewart and his brother David are giving evidence, in return for reduced sentences for their part in the murder of Mr English.
It is the first so-called supergrass trial in Northern Ireland since the mid-80s and is expected last for a number of months.
The non-jury trial is being held before Mr Justice Gillen.
As the trial began, 13 of the defendants were in the main dock area of the court, while Mark Haddock was in a different part, surrounded by prison officers.
All of the accused, excluding Mr Haddock, are currently on bail. The defendants are aged between 32 and 46.
Mr Haddock was a police informer and was taken into police custody last week for his personal safety.
It is a controversial trial and it has required one of the most elaborate security operations at Belfast Crown Court for decades.
The trial will put the spotlight on the activities of the notorious UVF gang from the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast.
At the request of the PSNI, the court will not sit on Friday next when the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will take place at the nearby Waterfront Hall.
