Sean ‘Spike’ Murray will not be prosecuted over gun-running allegations

A senior Sinn Fein member will not face prosecution over an alleged gun-running operation in the 1990s.

Veteran republican Sean “Spike” Murray had been under police investigation after a documentary broadcast allegations that he conspired with a US businessman to bring handguns into Northern Ireland from Florida.

Former IRA prisoner Mr Murray, 65, always denied any involvement.

After investigating the claims made in the BBC NI Spotlight programme, the Police Service of Northern Ireland passed an evidence file to prosecutors for review.

The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service has determined there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Murray.

A spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that a decision has been taken not to prosecute a man for any offences in relation to the alleged importation of firearms.

“Careful consideration has been given to all of the available evidence and it has been concluded that this is insufficient to meet the test for prosecution.”

The decision was made public less than 24 hours before the republican was due to participate in a panel discussion about tackling paramilitarism alongside senior PSNI officer Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton.

The police had been criticised for deciding to appear with Mr Murray while a decision on prosecution was pending.