A file relating to two police officers involved in the controversial arrest of Sean Graham's Bookmakers victim Mark Sykes has been sent to prosecutors.
The Public Prosecution Service last night confirmed the file, which contains evidence in relation to a complaint of unlawful arrest and common assault, is now under consideration.
There was an angry backlash from nationalists in February when footage emerged of Mr Sykes being handcuffed and taken away by police at a commemoration for five people murdered when a UDA gunman burst into the Ormeau Road bookmakers in south Belfast and opened fire on February 5 1992.
James Kennedy (15), Christy Doherty (51), William McManus (54), Jack Duffin (66) and Peter Magee (18), a brother-in-law of Mr Sykes, were all killed.
Seven people were also wounded including Mr Sykes, who was shot several times.
PSNI officers had initially approached those gathered at a memorial to the dead in relation to Covid-19 regulations but the situation quickly escalated and Mr Sykes was arrested.
Video footage of the PSNI operation was later posted online and Mr Sykes can be seen holding a bag containing floral tributes.
It later emerged that Mr Sykes was forced to remain handcuffed in a police car for more than an hour and a half before being eventually released without charge.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne apologised over what happened and the Police Ombudman launched an investigation.
One officer was suspended, while another has been ‘repositioned’.
A spokesman for the PSNI last night said "the duty status of the officers remains unchanged".
The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, later said it intended to legally challenge a police decision not to lift the suspension of the officer.
A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman last night said a file has been forwarded.
“We have submitted a file to the PPS relating to two police officers who were involved in arresting a man during an event on Belfast’s Ormeau Road on 5 February.
"The file contains evidence in relation to a complaint of unlawful arrest and common assault.”
A spokesman for the PPS said the file is now being considered.
“The PPS can confirm that we recently received a file from the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland reporting two police officers in relation to this matter," he said.
"The file is under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.”
Asked about the arrest of Mr Sykes a spokeswoman for the PSNI said: "The police investigation remains ongoing and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
