A POLICE officer who admitted threatening his wife and making nuisance phone calls will not face an internal investigation, it was revealed today.

North Yorkshire Police have accepted the resignation of PC Arthur Swaine, who first offered to quit after a dramatic court appearance, and said he would not have to appear before a disciplinary hearing.

Last month, the former York licensing officer was bound over by Harrogate magistrates for two years in the sum of £500 after he admitted causing a breach of the peace.

He had already been suspended on full pay since January last year after allegations surfaced of his connection to an armed robbery at a village post office and attempts to pervert the course of justice. He was never charged with any offences.

Mr Swaine offered his resignation to Chief Constable David Kenworthy just weeks before he was due to face an internal hearing over the possession of cannabis, for which he was convicted last year, and allegations of misusing a force car, failing to perform his duty and inciting a witness to lie.

There was speculation last month that Mr Kenworthy could go ahead with the hearing if it was thought to be in the public interest.

But a North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed yesterday: "PC Arthur Swaine is now a former PC and there are no matters outstanding."

Following Mr Swaine's court appearance in September, Mr Kenworthy said: "We have to take complaints and allegations seriously. The whole basis of the criminal justice system is the integrity of police officers."

Mr Swaine, who served the force for 27 years, had gained a reputation in York for introducing a series of successful anti-drugs initiatives and being tough on the granting of licences.

He was also known for pioneering the city's nightclub Doorsafe scheme, for which he received a commendation from police commanders.