But Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, said the judge's ruling was the right one.

WSJ: NY judge tosses indictment of officer in shooting

"To say the least, we are disappointed and angry, " said Patrick Lynch, president of the union that represents police officers.

WSJ: Officer's Murder Accidental, Jury Finds

Patrick Lynch, head of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, the department's largest union, applauded the sentence from the judge, saying it sent a clear message that killing an officer would not be tolerated in New York City.

WSJ: Gunman in NY officer's death gets 45 years to life

When Hyde was jailed in February 2012 for three years, Judge Patrick Lynch QC told him that if he had not agreed to identify the alleged culprits in Mr O'Hagan's murder and give evidence about the activities of the outlawed LVF, he would have been jailed for 18 years.

BBC: No prosecution in Martin O'Hagan murder case