ONE of Belfast City Council's most senior officials has retired from his post by "mutual agreement" three months after the Bobby Storey Roselawn controversy.
Nigel Grimshaw (54), who as a chief superintendent and former Belfast Area Commander was once the most senior police officer in the city, joined the council in January 2016.
In June, as strategic director of city and neighbourhood services, he was involved in decision-making around the cremation arrangements for the IRA leader.
Both he and chief executive Suzanne Wylie faced intense scrutiny after it emerged that, on the day the senior republican was cremated at Roselawn on June 30, eight other families were prevented from holding services at the council-run cemetery.
There were also concerns about the number of people who attended the Storey funeral at a time when Covid-19 restrictions were in place.
The council apologised to the other eight families affected and offered them compensation.
Mr Grimshaw also apologised and expressed regret for what had happened.
In July, a death threat was made against the senior council official in an email sent to Belfast City Hall which was passed on to police.
In a separate development it was revealed yesterday that a senior barrister has been appointed to lead an independent investigation into how the cremation of Mr Storey was organised at Roselawn.
Peter Coll QC, who was one of the lawyers involved in the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry, has asked Belfast City Council to report back to him by the end of October.
A council spokesperson confirmed the investigation began yesterday and said: "It is expected to take approximately six weeks.
"Once complete, the findings will be presented to elected members and will be made publicly available."
The spokesperson added: "Council will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing."
Later it was reported on Twitter that Mr Grimshaw had left his council post by "mutual agreement". It is understood staff were informed of the news by email.
A spokesman for the council said Mr Grimshaw had "retired by mutual agreement".
