A PSNI detective has been cleared of intending to pervert the course of justice.
Detective sergeant Cathy Thompson was found not guilty during a trial that took place last month but had reporting restrictions placed on it until this week.
The case against the 34-year-old centred on a text she was accused of sending to Ciara McCoy, who she was in a relationship with, on the same night her brother Finbar McCoy punched a man, which resulted in his death.
Earlier this week Finbar McCoy (26) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of James McDonagh, a member of the Travelling community, who he punched outside the Elk Bar near Toome in April 2016.
After the single punch was struck the victim fell back and hit his head off the pavement.
Mr McDonagh suffered a fractured skull as ell as bleeding and swelling of the brain after falling back and hitting his head off the pavement and died later in hospital.
After the attack the message alleged to have been sent by Ms Thompson read: "Yeah, don't have anything in the house u shouldn't have as they will land to arrest him. They will then search the whole house for clothing."
The detective, who is currently under suspension and whose address was given as care of Coleraine PSNI station, was found not guilty by a majority verdict after a three-day trial at the Derry Crown Court.
Mr McCoy, from Tamlaghduff Road in Bellaghy was put on trial for the manslaughter last month but the jury failed to reach a verdict.
At the same time the trial involving Ms Thompson was also taking place but a judge imposed reporting restrictions until after the McCoy trial was completed.
Mr McCoy’s retrial was due to have started this week but at Belfast Crown Court he asked to be re-arraigned on the manslaughter charge and pleaded guilty. He will be sentenced later.
