The sentence of a man convicted for his part in the murder of journalist Martin O'Hagan is no longer under review by the Public Prosecution Service.

Neil Hyde is serving a three-year jail term after his initial sentence of 18 years was reduced by 75% for his assistance in helping the police investigate the killing.

Mr O'Hagan, 51, was shot dead as he walked home from a night out with his wife in Lurgan in September 2001.

The killing of the Sunday World reporter was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used by both the Loyalist Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association.

The PPS had indicated that the reduction of Hyde's sentence could be reviewed amid claims he had breached the terms of his "assisting offender" agreement by not telling the full truth in his dealings with the authorities.

But in a statement issued today the PPS said it was no longer seeking a review.

It said: "Based on the initial evidence the specified prosecutor in this case had concluded that the assisting offender had knowingly breached his agreement under section 73 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and that it was in the interest of justice that the case be referred back to the original sentencing court.

"However, following further examination of the evidence previously made available by police, extensive police enquiries and PPS consultation with the relevant witness, it is considered that the evidence which is now available is not sufficient to establish a breach of the agreement by Neil Hyde to the requisite standard.

"Accordingly there is no longer a basis to refer the matter to the court.

"The court has therefore been informed that the PPS no longer seeks the review of the sentence."

The PPS also said its director Barra McGrory QC now intended to exercise his powers to refer the matter to the Police Ombudsman.

Hyde was prosecuted for a range of offences, including conspiring to carry a firearm with intent to wound, in connection with the murder of Mr O'Hagan.

He was the first journalist killed in the line of work in the history of the Troubles.