By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Last updated at 12:09, Saturday, 19 January 2013

Cumbria's suspended chief constable says he is confident allegations levelled against him “will not be substantiated”.

Stuart Hyde

Stuart Hyde, who has been away from his post for more than four months, says he will “learn from any shortcomings” but believes he will be cleared.

He was speaking after it was confirmed that his suspension would stay in place following a monthly review by Cumbria’s crime commissioner Richard Rhodes.

Mr Hyde was told to stay away from his duties in September last year following allegations of serious misconduct.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission later said the allegations did not “amount to serious misconduct” – or were “based on unsupported suspicion”. It did add “some matters may require an investigation”.

An inquiry is now being carried out by South Wales Police.

In a statement issued on his personal website yesterday, Mr Hyde said: “It is now nearly five months since my suspension and I remain disappointed that it continues.

“I have continued to co-operate fully with the investigation and will carry on doing.

“While I have accepted throughout that I will learn from any shortcomings, I am confident the allegations against me will not be substantiated.

“While I appreciate the investigation by South Wales Police remains yet to be fully completed, I still await the opportunity to see in detail any of the allegations and respond to them.

“I am aware that some allegations have already been shown to be without foundation and believe this will be the outcome for the remainder.”

Mr Hyde added he hoped the inquiry would soon be finished and said he was still committed to returning to his role as chief constable and to serving the county.

“My family and I are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from friends and colleagues,” he said.

Mr Rhodes said that Mr Hyde would stay suspended while South Wales Police were still investigating the allegations, adding: “It is important that they are allowed sufficient time to do so.”

The commissioner received regular updates, he said.

Mr Rhodes said he took all allegations against any officer seriously but stressed suspension was a neutral act that allowed an investigation to take place. Another review will be held within four weeks.

The precise nature of the allegations that sparked the suspension has not been revealed but it is understood they came from two senior officers.

Bernard Lawson, deputy chief constable of Merseyside Police, has taken over as chief constable in Cumbria temporarily.

First published at 11:13, Saturday, 19 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk