Appeal hopes fade for palace gaffe police chief

Chief Superintendent Kevin Pitt, of Cleveland police, was forced to resign in embarrassment over the gaffe, which was caught on security cameras.

Mr Pitt, who was in the country offering advice on anti-corruption inquiries, has privately told friends he expects a force inquiry to exonerate him.

But a bid to clear his name through the Lithuanian courts could fail because of lack of legal cover.

The Northern Echo understands that neither the Superintendents' Association, the Cleveland force or the police authority will cover his fees for a potentially costly appeal, as he was abroad at the time of the offence.

Mr Pitt is still planning to send a file of evidence in his defence to the Minister of Justice in Lithuania.

He admits he was seen on security TV leaning against a wall at the palace, but said he did so because he was about to be sick.

Mr Pitt, who was district commander of Stockton, was in the Lithuanian capital of Villnius with fellow Cleveland officer Inspector Kerry Anderson.

The all expenses-paid trip came about as a result of a £1.2m European Union contract won by Teesside University to teach anti-corruption techniques to Government departments in the former Communist state.

Cleveland Police received about £100,000 for their part in the contract, but have agreed to step aside after Lithuanian officials vowed never to work with the force again.

Last night, Teesside University said it was "extremely hopeful" the remainder of the one-year contract would be fulfilled.

It follows a salvage mission by Alan Doig, university professor of public services management, who returned from talks in Lithuania this week.

University spokesman Nick Mitchell said: "It was a matter of clearing the air and explaining how the contract could continue, but without Cleveland Police."

Officers from other UK police forces are now likely to be appointed to take over the duties of the Cleveland force.