A DETECTIVE has been cleared of an allegation that he made a threat to kill his now estranged wife in a domestic row.

John Steventon, a detective constable with Northumbria Police, was accused of making the threat during an argument with his wife, Sandra, at the home they shared in Consett, County Durham.

Det Con Steventon, 39, who denied the charge, was found not guilty by a jury yesterday, following five minutes' deliberation, on the second day of a trial at Durham Crown Court.

The court heard that the argument arose when he brought his son home with chips later than his wife expected after visiting his golf club to register for a tournament, last July.

Michael Graham, prosecuting, said Mrs Steventon accused him of threatening her with a table knife during the course of the row.

Gavin Doig, for Mr Steventon, denied that any threat was uttered, and pointed out that Mrs Steventon rang the police but then remained at the house until officers arrived.

The court heard that the incident took place at a time when they were living an almost separate existence in the family home, during the breakdown of their marriage.

Following the jury's verdict, Judge Tim Hewitt made a costs order in favour of Mr Steventon.

Northumbria Police confirmed Mr Steventon worked as a detective constable, based at force headquarters in Ponteland.

A force spokesman said he was not suspended or moved from the post pending the court case.

The spokesman said: "The criminal matter has now been decided, however, whether or not internal disciplinary procedures are now taken has not yet been finalised."