Police statement following Public Prosecution Service (PPS) decision not to prosecute an individual investigated in connection with allegations of criminal damage to a portrait at Belfast City Hall in October 2024

"The Public Prosecution Service has now considered the evidence in this matter and have directed ‘no prosecution’ as there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence on the evidence available.

"Police have a duty to conduct investigations where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of criminal offences.  Police will make relevant enquiries, interview those with information, question suspects and, in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, either charge a person or submit a file to the PPS in relation to the investigation. This procedure was followed in this case.

“Prosecutorial decisions are made independently by the Public Prosecution Service and it would be inappropriate to comment further other than to reiterate the Police Service's commitment to treat everyone equally before the law."