FORMER Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon is being challenged to explain in detail on the worldwide web why he admitted to 14 disciplinary charges.

The challenge comes from Cleveland Police Authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker.

Suspended from duty but subsequently cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, Mr Mallon pleaded guilty to 14 disciplinary charges at an internal hearing last February.

Mr Mallon, who is standing as a candidate for town mayor, has angered Coun Walker by quoting on his website a letter of support from the politician - written five years ago, a year before Mr Mallon was suspended from duty.

Coun Walker said: "I think it is stretching a point to suggest that its contents reflect my current views.'' Last night, he again wrote to Mr Mallon challenging him to put his latest letter on the same website.

Coun Walker wrote: "I firmly believe, for the avoidance of any doubt and because of your high self-made public profile, that you need to explain in detail your reasons for pleading guilty to these serious disciplinary charges.''

Mr Mallon said: "Mr Walker is well aware as to the reasons why I pleaded guilty at the disciplinary proceedings, but for the avoidance of doubt I repeat that, had the proceedings been adjourned until July, it would have resulted in my being unable to stand as elected mayor of Middlesbrough.''

He said he had no choice, adding the letter contained too "many inaccuracies'' to be printed in full.