Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson says he requires protection after Drumcree abuse

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Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has said he requires security protection due to threats and abuse during the Drumcree parading standoff.

Mr Bryson, who acts as legal adviser for Portadown Orange Order, said he had had his life threatened “more times than I can recall” in the past two weeks.

He raised concern about himself and unionist political representatives being “hounded” while arriving and leaving court hearings in Belfast.

The standoff, which is in its 10th day, began when Orangemen were prevented from walking along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown, despite a Parades Commission determination permitting the parade.

Orangemen have attempted to start their parade several times in the days since, but have been halted by police amid concerns of disorder if it proceeded down the road, which has witnessed a series of mass demonstrations and protest rallies.

Members of the Portadown District of the Orange Order remain at Drumcree Church, demanding to be allowed to begin their parade.

Protesters have maintained a presence at the side of the road, insisting that what they see as a “triumphalist” parade should not be allowed, citing the violent history of the march in the 1990s.

Garvaghy Road residents returned to the Appeal Court in Belfast this week in an attempt to get the Parades Commission determination overturned. The court has reserved its judgment.

Mr Bryson said there had been “threats, abuse and attempted intimidation” of DUP representatives Carla Lockhart and Diane Dodds.

He added: “I have had my life threatened more times than I can recall over the last two weeks.

“The PSNI has had to provide protection to escort me and protect us all at court.

“I now have also additionally had to put in place my own personal security protection team, who at times are required 24 hours a day.”

Mr Bryson added: “I have a son, 11 years of age, and we have already heard about the impact on Carla’s son and her family.

“My boy is old enough to now see a lot of this. Abuse is being hurled at me about him.”

Mr Bryson said the loyalist community had “shown restraint and dignity in the face of mass provocation”.

He added: “I want to urge people to continue to take that approach.

“Remain above it, and trust the legal process which has got us this far – further than we ever got in 28 years.

“We will remain calm, resolute and determined. We aren’t going to be provoked into meeting the mob with a mob.”

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