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Orde to discuss estate agent case Orde to discuss estate agent case
(about 1 hour later)
NI's police chief has asked to meet with the Public Prosecution Service after money laundering charges against a Belfast estate agent were dropped.NI's police chief has asked to meet with the Public Prosecution Service after money laundering charges against a Belfast estate agent were dropped.
All charges against Philip Johnston were dropped last week.All charges against Philip Johnston were dropped last week.
Sir Hugh Orde, who was asked about the case during a meeting of the Policing Board, said he would brief them further once the talks took place.Sir Hugh Orde, who was asked about the case during a meeting of the Policing Board, said he would brief them further once the talks took place.
"I am personally satisfied there were reasonable grounds for police action in this case," the chief constable added."I am personally satisfied there were reasonable grounds for police action in this case," the chief constable added.
In an interview for BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme, Mr Johnston, 40, said the incident had left him financially ruined.In an interview for BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme, Mr Johnston, 40, said the incident had left him financially ruined.
He said he had been afraid to end his association with prominent loyalist Jim Gray.He said he had been afraid to end his association with prominent loyalist Jim Gray.
Mr Johnston, who owned a chain of six offices in east Belfast, said his business collapsed after his arrest.Mr Johnston, who owned a chain of six offices in east Belfast, said his business collapsed after his arrest.
All charges against him were dropped last week. Jim Gray was shot dead in October last year.All charges against him were dropped last week. Jim Gray was shot dead in October last year.
Mr Johnston, of King's Road, was investigated as part of a police probe into the financial affairs of Gray.Mr Johnston, of King's Road, was investigated as part of a police probe into the financial affairs of Gray.
Meanwhile, a senior officer has told the board dissident republicans were seeking to threaten the political process ahead of the government's devolution deadline of 24 November.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan said: "It is clear to us that dissidents remain committed to achieving their means through violence, and for that reason we believe the dissident threat is real and indeed they still have the capability to carry out attacks as they did in Newry.
"It is clear that their wish is to carry out attacks, including incendiaries, and to continue to destabilise the political process up to the 24th November."
Last month, the dissident republican Real IRA claimed responsibility for the firebomb attacks on stores in Newry.
Firebombs destroyed JJB Sports and CarpetRight stores in the town, while a TK Maxx store and MFI outlet were among those badly damaged.