Publication date:
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) can confirm a decision has been taken not to prosecute one individual reported in connection with offences including allegations of sexual offending and misconduct in public office.
After careful consideration of an investigation file received from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland on 30th May 2024, it was concluded the available evidence was insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence.
A team of experienced prosecutors considered the case, assisted by advice from independent, Senior Counsel. The decision was reached impartially, independently and fully in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors.
A PPS spokeswoman said: “We have carefully considered all the evidence submitted by the Police Ombudsman’s Office in connection with this complex case.
“The standard of proof needed for a criminal prosecution is high. In order to prosecute, the evidence must be sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction. In this case, the available evidence did not reach this threshold.
“All relevant parties have been informed of the decision by the PPS, with assurance that the decision was taken only after a most careful examination of all the evidence and information available.”
The PPS understands that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in England and Wales had opened a conduct investigation into the person reported which was suspended pending the PPS outcome. The IOPC will now be notified by the Police Ombudsman of the decision reached in this case.
Notes to Editors:
- PPS decisions are taken in accordance with the Test for Prosecution, which involves two stages. The Test for Prosecution is met if, in relation to an identifiable suspect, the available evidence is sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of a conviction (the Evidential Test) and if prosecution is in the public interest (the Public Interest Test). The Evidential Test must be passed before the Public Interest Test is considered and both must be met for a prosecution to proceed. Further detail is contained in the Code for Prosecutors.
- The PPS received the file reporting this individual on 30th May 2024. However, the decision-making process could not conclude until further information and material was received from the investigation team. This material was submitted to the PPS in February 2025 and was considered as quickly as possible thereafter.
- Media queries for the PPS should be referred to the Communications Unit by emailing ppspressoffice@ppsni.gov.uk inside office hours. The out of hours press officer can be contacted on 07920 271804, 07920 418844 or 07341 800254.