A former RUC anti-terrorist officer has backed claims of a cover-up by the force over the murder of prominent lawyer Pat Finucane.
John Browne said he was present when a loyalist paramilitary confessed to the shooting in 1989.
However, he said there was no criminal investigation because of pressure from the RUC Special Branch.
Mr Browne said there was frequently friction between ordinary officers and the Special Branch over how such cases should be handled.
"I was told 'Hold it, you've got to do what you're told'. I remember saying to a senior officer that this was going to back to haunt us", he said.