29/01/2026
Police Ombudsman Investigates PSNI Handling Of Past Allegations
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the PSNI’s handling of prior allegations made against a former officer during his period of service.
This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025. That arrest related to more than 10 suspected non-recent offences allegedly committed between 2000 and 2009, including misconduct in public office and several serious sexual offences. The Ombudsman’s investigation will specifically scrutinise how the police service responded to and managed the allegations made against the officer at the time they were first reported.
Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume, said: “This investigation centres on how a number of allegations made against the police officer were handled at that time.”
Mr Hume continued: “These are sensitive issues and those who made allegations did so in difficult circumstances. My priority is to ensure that their voices remain at the centre of the investigation as it progresses.”
The Office of the Police Ombudsman has encouraged anyone with concerns regarding allegations of this nature to come forward. Members of the public can contact the office directly on 028 9082 8600.
This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025. That arrest related to more than 10 suspected non-recent offences allegedly committed between 2000 and 2009, including misconduct in public office and several serious sexual offences. The Ombudsman’s investigation will specifically scrutinise how the police service responded to and managed the allegations made against the officer at the time they were first reported.
Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume, said: “This investigation centres on how a number of allegations made against the police officer were handled at that time.”
Mr Hume continued: “These are sensitive issues and those who made allegations did so in difficult circumstances. My priority is to ensure that their voices remain at the centre of the investigation as it progresses.”
The Office of the Police Ombudsman has encouraged anyone with concerns regarding allegations of this nature to come forward. Members of the public can contact the office directly on 028 9082 8600.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

