Special Branch

"Special Branch were aware that a terrorist organisation was showing interest in Darren, in a police officer, who attended the bar and that he was the subject of a threat," Mr Creelan told Spotlight.

Niven, who contributed to the documentary, said his father joined the RUC after a stint in the Army, rising through the ranks to become a detective superintendent in charge of Special Branch.

Haggarty replied: "Special Branch doesn't come into my thoughts. I don't care about them".

He told the court that he told his Special Branch handlers about the plan as soon as he was made aware of it.

"Special Branch will want 10 minutes with them," they said.