Frank Portinari
Author. Speaker. Consultant. Contributor
"In 1993 I was arrested in Perry Barr, Birmingham, by armed police officers. I was subsequently charged with possession of weapons. There was also a second charge of possession with intent to supply persons unknown, with intent to endanger the lives of persons unknown. After pleading guilty, I was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by Birmingham Crown Court. My sentence began as a Category A prisoner in HMP Winson Green. At the time of my arrest I was the O/C (Officer Commanding) of the Ulster Defence Association London Brigade.
An account of my life and experiences has been documented in a book first published in November 2016. “LEFT RIGHT LOYALIST” (“From One Extreme To Another”). It has since been rebranded and made available under the title, “LOYALIST PARAMILITARY GUNRUNNER” (“From Extremism To Prison”). As an exponent and promoter of the peace process in Northern Ireland. I am a willing participant in engaging with others who wish to build upon that process. Part of that engagement involves making myself available to those who share an interest in social and political history. On a professional level, I continue to work as an Author and Public Speaker."