Senior PSNI Officers Cleared In Ombudsman Probe

Two senior PSNI officers have been cleared of allegations into alleged misconduct in public office.

Chief Constable George Hamilton and Deputy Drew Harris were among a number of officers being investigated by the Police Ombudsman.

Dr Michael Maguire's investigation examined how the PSNI handled a bribery inquiry into the awarding of a contract to supply vehicles to the police.

In a statement, Mr Hamilton said: "The Ombudsman has reported that he is entirely satisfied that the original investigation was necessary, intelligence and evidence-led, lawful and proportionate. He has found that our actions were taken entirely in the public interest and not to have done so would have seriously impacted on public confidence in policing. He has recommended no misconduct proceedings against myself or any other police officers, nor at any stage during his investigation did he interview any officer for criminal conduct."

Former West Yorkshire Chief Constable Mark Gilmore, an ex-PSNI officer, and retired PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland, were among nine people interviewed by detectives in the 2014 police investigation into bribery and misconduct in public office in relation to the vehicles supply contract.

No charges were ultimately brought against any of the men – all of whom denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Hamilton, Mr Harris and current Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton were all investigated by the ombudsman.

(CD/LM)