 Ultimately the plan was not enacted as Adair remained a hugely popular figure on the Shankill despite the killing.However, Spence, or "Spencer" as he was known locally, remained an ally of Adair and following his release in the mid-1990s returned to influence under new brigadier Winkie Dodds, whom Adair had appointed in his stead following his own arrest.Spence attended the wedding of Adair and Gina Crossan, held in prison, on 21 February 1997.