A police clerk has lodged a damages claim against Cleveland Police, accusing the former chief constable of using her in sex smear allegations against Ray Mallon.

Jayne Thwaites, 36, alleges retired chief of Cleveland Police Barry Shaw and his former deputy, David Earnshaw, were responsible for spreading rumours that she was having an adulterous affair with Mr Mallon.

The claim, lodged with the courts and the Cleveland force, alleges that MI5 officers followed her and that traffic police were told to make notes and report any sightings of her during her private life.

Reporters from tabloid newsppapers tried to question her at her home about the alleged affair and to follow her through her home town of Hartlepool.

Miss Thwaites' claim is supported by the findings of Michael Hedges, former Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, who carried out an investigation into the allegations.

He concluded: "I specifically recommend that Mr Shaw should be held culpable for abuse of authority and breach of confidence.''

After considering the findings the Cleveland Police Authority declined to bring any disciplinary charges against Mr Shaw. He retired in May and was replaced by Sean Price.

Earlier this year, Cleveland's former public affairs manager, Joanne Malone, 39, received an out-of-court settlement of £40,000 and £60,000 legal costs after bringing an action against Mr Shaw.

Middlesbrough Combined Court confirmed that solicitors acting on behalf of Miss Thwaites lodged papers on November 13, making a claim against Cleveland Police and the Police Authority.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police and the Cleveland Police Authority said: "Solicitors acting on behalf of Miss Thwaites have issued papers relating to a claim against the force and the authority.

"The papers are being considered by the appropriate legal officers and a response will be made in due course. At this stage we have no further comment to make.''

Miss Thwaites declined to comment.