A LEADING loyalist has appeared in court in Bolton on drug charges.

Ian Truesdale is charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in Horwich.

Truesdale, aged 42, of Thorpe Street, Halliwell, appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday. He spoke only to confirm his name.

A application for bail was made in chambers and turned down by Judge Morris.

Truesdale, a friend of Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair, was arrested last week after he returned from Northern Ireland.