A Scot accused of destroying a car detectives believe was involved in the murder of a UDA leader in Belfast has been refused bail.

Thomas O'Hara, 29, is among three men accused of perverting the course of justice as the probe into the shooting of Ulster Defence Association member John Boreland, 46, in August continues.

O'Hara, from Kilbirnie in North Ayrshire, Darren McAllister, 33, and Thomas Pearson, 61, appeared via video link before a judge in Belfast to face the charges.

The charges relate to the destruction of a silver Renault Megane car police believe was connected to the murder.

A detective constable told the court Thomas O'Hara had been identified driving to the place where the car was stored and destroying it. He denies any involvement in the murder.

Boreland was hit a number of times with a shotgun as he walked to his flat in the Sunningdale Gardens area of north Belfast on August 7. He died at the scene. The gun used in the killing has yet to be recovered.

The three men are accused of perverting the course of justice by destroying a silver Renault Megane car which the police were looking for in connection with the murder of the loyalist paramilitary.

Thomas O'Hara's lawyer argued his client was a family man with two children and would adhere to stringent bail conditions in Scotland if he was granted bail but the application was refused.

He will appear in court again with his two co-accused on November 10.