Craig Moffitt: Ex-police officer sentenced over gunman claim

At Dungannon Crown Court, a defence counsel said Moffitt’s actions were “a cry for help while his mind was warped by alcohol.

“It appears he wanted to engender sympathy from other individuals.”

Judge Brian Sherrard told Moffitt:

“This was a serious offence which carries a potential life imprisonment.

“Your motivation is unclear but in seems likely you were somehow trying to impress or gain sympathy from a female colleague with whom you were in a relationship, although you deny that.”

He continued:

“The fact that this emanated from a police officer is highly significant and your actions were in breach of the duty of trust placed in you by our community.”

However, taking into consideration the immediate acceptance of guilt at court and Moffitt’s previously clear record, the judge said the16-month prison sentence he imposed could be suspended for three years.

Separately, it emerged Moffitt had been leading an investigation into a case of perverting the course of justice at the time of the alleged incident.

He was subsequently replaced and it was later confirmed he was no longer a serving officer.