PSNI chief constable denies allegations of surveillance on journalist

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also denied that officers “broke into Mr McIntyre’s car”.

The journalist was investigating the unexplained disappearance of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe.

A review by Angus McCullough KC is currently examining conduct by the PSNI arising from concerns raised in relation to surveillance of journalists, lawyers and other groups.

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland Dame Brenda King also issued a reminder to the public and media outlets of the need for caution around commentary on active criminal proceedings.

At the latest Northern Ireland Policing Board meeting, Mr Boutcher responded to recent public commentary about allegations against the PSNI involving the journalist Mr McIntyre.

He said “I am conscious of the ongoing McCullough review and that wider proceedings might result from the recent speculation and commentary. However, given the potential adverse impact on public confidence in policing it is only right that I set out the position regarding these matters as I understand them.

“On July 3, 2023 the Attorney General issued a public advisory note which reminded editors, broadcasters, publishers and social media users that the inquest proceedings in respect of Noah Donohoe were currently active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

“Everyone will recall the huge speculation and endless conspiracy theories being promoted online at that time.

“Following discussions in August 2023 between PSNI and the NI Court Service, the PSNI collated material from public-facing online publications on X, formerly known as Twitter, linked to two accounts.

“All these communications would have been publicly accessible but I accept the publisher of the posts would not be aware that PSNI had viewed and captured the publications.

“No confidential journalistic material was viewed or recorded. Suggestions that police broke into Mr McIntyre’s car are completely wrong.

“In line with the Attorney General’s advisory note, the material was shared with her office on October 29, 2023. No other force or agency were directed or requested by the PSNI to take any steps.”

Mr Boutcher added: “To summarise: this issue amounts to police monitoring two open source, publicly available Twitter/X accounts in order to protect the legal integrity of the coronial proceedings in the Noah case.

“As soon as I became aware of this matter on February 28, 2025, I ensured that this information was passed to Angus McCullough KC, to ensure that it would be considered as part of his ongoing review. This allegation is clearly within his remit, and I am confident that in due course he will give his findings in relation to it when he reports.

“I believe it is vitally important that Mr McCullough be given the time to conduct his work and independently look into this matter. I will of course be carefully considering his findings and recommendations, including in respect of this matter when they become available.

“To reassure those who have commented that the final McCullough report from the review will not be made public or that it will be redacted, I want to reassure you that this will not be the case. The McCullough findings report will be published.  That is enshrined in the terms of reference, which refer to the maximising the openness and transparency of the review’s findings as far as possible.

“Mr McCullough has publicly reiterated his determination that his findings and recommendations should be as open as possible and I am committed to supporting him in that.

“Further speculation about the results of the review will achieve nothing at this stage and I urge people to await the findings.”

Mr McCullough stressed that although appointed by the chief constable, his review is “entirely independent”. He will be issuing a further progress report on the review this month.