A FORMER terrorist is battling for the return of thousands of pounds-worth of belongings he says were taken from his home by a council while he was in jail.

Roy Richmond, 45, was released from prison in Stockton earlier this year after serving six months for assault.

During that time the property he was renting with his former girlfriend in Hind Street, Stockton, was bought by Stockton Borough Council as part of a regeneration project.

Mr Richmond says neighbours told him they saw furniture and personal items worth about £3,000 being removed by council workers.

The borough council has denied the allegations, saying the property was already vacant when it acquired it. Mr Richmond's former girlfriend left the house earlier this year after being convicted of drug offences.

Mr Richmond said despite being released from prison two months ago, he was still no closer to tracking down his missing belongings, many of which had strong sentimental value.

A number of the items belonged to Mr Richmond's parents and were shipped to him when he fled Belfast four years ago after threats were made against his life.

He said: "My mother and father died a few years ago and all of their belongings were sent over to me by my sister. There were watches that belonged to my father and a gipsy mirror that was my grandma's. There's also a lot of family photos that I want to get back."

A former loyalist gunman for the Ulster Defence Association, Mr Richmond served four years in prison in the 1980s for shooting a Catholic milkman.

He said he fled Northern Ireland after police informed him that the IRA had put a contract out on his life.

He said: "I was brought up in the centre of the Troubles. I've done things I'm not proud of in my life but I came here for a new start.

"I'm with someone new now and we're engaged to be married and are looking for a place to live. But I can't get on with things until I get hold of my belongings, I need to know where they are."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "When we buy a property it is for the landlord and tenant to make arrangements for the removal of any possessions.

"The tenant at that time was advised of the requirements and when we took possession of the property it was empty and vacant."