A POLICEMAN who avoided a speeding ticket by claiming he couldn't remember who was driving his car has received the backing of his Chief Constable.

Barry Shaw, chief constable of Cleveland Police, said he was satisfied nothing untoward happened when the speeding ticket was withdrawn.

Mr Shaw told a packed audience at Stockton Central Library that he had every confidence in Superintendent Adrian Roberts, who escaped a £60 fine and three penalty points by claiming he could not recall who was driving his car.

He told angry residents who had turned up to quiz him on the matter that he himself would pay a ticket if he was given one, but the last time that happened was in Glasgow during the 1970s.

Mr Shaw said: "If I get a ticket then I will pay that ticket. I am satisfied nothing untoward or sinister has actually occurred with the withdrawing of a police tick- et."

Earlier this week an official investigation clear-ed Supt Roberts of any wrongdoing.

His car was caught speeding in a 30 mph zone and he was sent a fixed penalty notice through the post. However, instead of accepting the fine and penalty points he claimed he could not remember who was behind the wheel.

A colleague checked the picture and when he could not identify the driver, decided to scrap the offence.

Mr Shaw said: "I recognise there is a lot of concern over police officers who have had tickets withdrawn and as a result we are to review a lot of our internal procedures."

Supt Roberts was cleared by Assistant Chief Constable Della Canning, head of discipline, who said he would face no further action.

Mr Shaw also answered questions from members of the public who demanded to know how many speeding tickets within the force have actually gone missing.

The Chief Constable said: "I must stress that Adrian Roberts is not responsible for the withdrawing of any fixed penalty tickets."

Ms Canning said: "There has been a full review into this matter and it has now been closed."