Bill Lowry

A former senior officer in RUC Special Branch.

William Stobie

Mr Lowry had previously clashed with Hugh Orde before he became Chief Constable over the prosecution of UDA informant William Stobie. Special Branch sources say he told the Stevens team they wouldn't achieve a conviction, but could be signing Stobie's death warrant by bringing him to trial.

Stobie was murdered by the UDA a year ago, just weeks after he was acquitted on charges brought by the Stevens team, which Mr Orde was in charge of in Belfast.

Departure

A former RUC divisional commander in west Belfast, Mr Lowry headed the intelligence operation that led to the recent raid on Sinn Fein's Stormont offices.

It is understood Chief Superintendent Lowry was escorted to his office to clear his desk, after being served with a disciplinary charge by Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland - a charge that was withdrawn 48 hours later.

It is understood that, two days earlier on October 13, he had a bust-up with the man responsible for Special Branch operations, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Albiston, over the briefing.

Mr Lowry's lawyers are now finalising severance terms with the PSNI.

But colleagues and friends say they are alarmed at what they regard as the unexplained "scapegoating" of the top policeman.

"Bill agreed to conduct a briefing for Brian Rowan of the BBC.

"It was approved by Alan McQuillan, the ACC for Belfast, and the head of the press office was present to take notes.