THE man at the centre of the controversy surrounding Cleveland Police's financial fiasco has left the force amid secrecy nine months after he was suspended.

Steve Preval, the former director of finance and commissioning, was suspended when a £7.3m shortfall was discovered in the force's spending plans, leaving it near financial collapse.

But the full story might not emerge after a gagging clause was included in a settlement between Mr Preval and the force.

The former chairman of the police authority, Ken Walker, hit out at the decision, saying he had called for a public inquiry into the issue.

He said: "We do not know how the black hole developed and a capable individual has had his career cut short.

"We have the right to know the cost of this. I would put it at £250,000 as the agreement for silence."

Earlier this month, Cleveland Police's chief constable, Sean Price, was cleared of allegations that he misled the police authority over the shortfall.

He was accused of withholding information about the looming crisis as long ago as October last year.

The allegations had been made by Mr Preval while claims of mismanagement were investigated.

A statement released by the force and the police authority said: "Steve Preval has served Cleveland Police with dedication and diligence for 14 years, the latter part of which was a particularly difficult and turbulent period.

"The chief constable and the police authority regret that his service has now come to an end and appreciates the substantial contribution that he has made to the authority during such service.

"The parties are happy to have been able to resolve their differences amicably and can face their respective futures with confidence.

"To that end, the parties agree that neither of them will make or cause, or permit to be made on their behalf, any comments concerning the case or terms of the settlement agreement other than those set out in this statement."

An Audit Commission report revealed how Mr Preval warned as long ago as 1999 that 2004/2005 would be a difficult year for funding, saying there would be inadequate resources.