Mr McDowell told of how he was beaten to the ground and kicked about the head in an assault that occurred in the middle of the busy Continental Market.

Four men attacked the journalist who was beaten on the head and body.

The assault happened less than a fortnight after supporters of four loyalists accused of murdering Sunday World journalist Martin O'Hagan smashed up McDowell's car. On that occasion the vandalism happened while McDowell was inside Craigavon Court House attending a bail hearing for the men facing charges connected to the O'Hagan murder.

Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley said the attack represented an assault on a brave journalist who has always stood up against thuggery from whatever quarter: "Jim McDowell is a brave editor of exceptional courage and he has never been afraid to take a strong stand. Neither Jim McDowell nor the staff of the Sunday World will be intimidated by this type of behaviour - from whatever quarter it has come.”

26 November 2009