The ex-officer, known publicly as ‘Sean’, admitted his claims were false. He has apologised to colleagues, and said being unwell has left him vulnerable.
His original allegations were reported by the Belfast Telegraph in March.
In a statement to the News Letter today, ‘Sean’ said: “I am deeply sorry to everyone I have hurt by making these allegations, all of which were untrue and did not in fact occur.
“This statement is not an excuse for why I made these allegations up, but an explanation and a heartfelt apology. I cannot turn the clock back, I wish I could, but I will try and make right what I did wrong.”
He added: “I wish to apologise to all the men and women of the PSNI, serving and retired, who have been hurt by my actions. I am also truly sorry that I misled the Belfast Telegraph and by extension the public.”
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he was grateful to ‘Sean’ for setting the record straight.
He said the PSNI will provide the former officer with whatever welfare support he requires.
Mr Boutcher said: “I want to acknowledge Sean’s courageous decision to issue this statement and I urge everyone to respect Sean’s plea for privacy.
“I was aware that Sean may provide a retraction but have deliberately waited for him to take this step before commenting.
“I have said publicly and very clearly to the Policing Board and reiterate again now, there was no sectarianism in this case.
“I am grateful to Sean for setting the record straight and for the dignity and professionalism displayed by his serving and retired colleagues during this challenging time. They are a credit to policing.
“After my meeting with Sean I described him as a decent man and his statement of retraction is nothing short of what I expected. To their huge credit the very colleagues Sean criticised also described him to me as a good and decent man.
“Those colleagues (retired and serving) behaved impeccably through this period and have demonstrated immense humility and generosity towards Sean.
“As I have already stated publicly, they have my full support.
“The PSNI will provide Sean with whatever welfare support he requires. He was clearly vulnerable and this was evident to me when I met him.”