Officer charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer is to be charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has announced.

It follows an investigation by the PSNI's anti-corruption unit.

It relates to events following an incident in February 2021 outside the Sean Graham betting shop on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast.

There was an altercation as officers arrived at a Troubles memorial event being held during Covid-19 restrictions.

The PPS said the investigation examined an allegation the officer "had been involved in the generation of a false threat report intended to support an application to court for a witness anonymity order".

He has been informed of the decision to prosecute.

It is understood his duty status is being reviewed as a result.

The PPS said court papers were being finalised and a date for his first appearance "will be generated in due course".

It added it would not be making any further comment as it could prejudice his trial by jury at Crown Court.

The PPS also announced a civilian reported for assault on police during the Ormeau Road incident would not be charged due to insufficient evidence.

The PPS said: "A decision on the assault file had to be delayed pending an outcome of the anti-corruption unit investigation.

"This was because the allegations under investigation were relevant to the prospects of conviction on the assault file."

The PPS had previously decided not to prosecute two junior officers who had been investigated over assault allegations.

Internal disciplinary action taken against them was later declared unlawful, causing a policing crisis which led to Simon Byrne resigning as chief constable.