An Antrim man who says he was approached by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to spy on republicans has appeared at a Sinn Féin press conference in Belfast.
The party said Mr Ruairí Reid from Rasharkin was told by detectives that if he co-operated, he would be "let off" charges of obstructing police from a previous incident. Sinn Féin said he had met police twice last month before voluntarily coming forward to the party.
Mr Reid (23) was accompanied by Sinn Féin representatives at the press conference in its headquarters on the Falls Road yesterday.
Asked afterwards why Mr Reid's right hand was heavily bandaged, SF councillor in Ballymoney, Mr Philip McGuigan, immediately said: "He was playing hurling." Mr Reid replied: "I came off scaffolding at work." Sinn Féin Belfast councillor Mr Michael Browne said Mr Reid had suffered "an industrial accident".
Mr McGuigan said police had phoned Mr Reid on his mobile and asked to go to Ballymoney police station. On another occasion, he met detectives in a car in a street in Rasharkin. Mr Reid was asked to become the "eyes and ears" of the Special Branch. He was told he would be "let off" charges in his impending court case. Mr Reid has previous convictions for assault and minor traffic offences.
Mr Reid appeared nervous and did little talking. Mr McGuigan said the PSNI had taken advantage of him. His decision to meet police had been "naïve". He thought it "an innocent venture" but he "quickly learned" what detectives were planning. He had made a "brave and honourable decision" to come forward to Sinn Féin.
A PSNI spokesman said: "While not commenting specifically on these allegations, we would say that intelligence-led policing is absolutely critical to the well-being of the people of Northern Ireland, as is the case nationally and internationally."
He added: "The police will therefore seek, by every lawful means, to enhance its intelligence-gathering capability because it is the duty of police to protect the community."