A GANG were today beginning a jail sentence of almost 40 years after hatching a plan to assassinate Johnny "Mad Dog'' Adair.

The former Loyalist leader, who was at court in Glasgow to see the sentences being passed, blasted the convicted men and said they "deserved every minute" of the jail time they were given.

Anton Duffy, 39, Martin Hughes, 36, and Paul Sands, 32, were convicted of a plan to kill the former Ulster Defence Association chief and Sam McCrory last month.

Duffy - the "instigator and driving force" behind the plot - was jailed for 17 years when he returned to the court for sentencing.

He will also be supervised for a further three years following his release, under the terms of an extended sentence imposed by judge Lady Scott.

Hughes was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Sands given an extended sentence, involving 10 years behind bars and supervision for a further three years after release.

Outside the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Adair said Duffy deserved "every minute" of his sentence.

He added: "The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges and I'm just delighted that justice has been done today.

"My message to him (Duffy) is he has 20 years to learn about Irish history."

Two other men were found guilty of organised crime charges were also jailed.

Craig Convery, 37, was locked up for nine years while his associate, Gordon Brown, 30, was given a six-year jail term.

Security in and around the High Court in Glasgow was heightened yesterday morning as the five men arrived to be sentenced.

Dozens of armed police officers were also drafted in.

Duffy, of Donegal, was the ringleader of an unaffiliated active-service unit inspired by dissident republicanism and planned to carry out the double murder with Sands and Hughes while on home leave from prison, police said.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Cuddihy said: "Make no mistake; the intent of those who have been sentenced was to carry out a murderous terrorist attack on the streets of Scotland.

"There is no doubt, Police Scotland officers have saved the lives of two men and prevented significant negative community impact across Scotland and further a field.

"The collaborative working between Police Scotland and the various partners is testament to the collective desire in Scotland to work together to keep our communities safe.

"The ability of the prosecutors to articulate a complex investigation to a jury, demonstrating the nexus between Organised Crime and Terrorism is something that we should all be grateful for."

Operation Hairsplitter was set up in September 2012 to investigate an attempt to procure firearms, including an AK47, by the gang.

Duffy, Sands and Hughes were arrested in October 2013 and charged under the Terrorism Act, and with conspiracy to murder.

In January 2014, Convery and Brown were arrested and charged with directing serious organised crime.