SUSPENDED "supercop" Ray Mallon was last night described as a "prisoner of the police complaints system" by a Government advisor on law and order.

The plight of Detective Superintendent Mallon - who has been suspended for three-and-a-half years - was raised during a debate on the Queen's speech in the House of Lords.

Former County Durham chief superintendent Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate claimed the case highlighted serious flaws in the police disciplinary system.

He told peers: "Det Supt Mallon has since been cleared of all criminal allegations and still remains suspended pending discipline matters.

"It would have been the easiest thing in the world for Mr Mallon to walk away from the accusations on an enhanced medical pension rather than face them.

"He chose not to do that, and is still a prisoner of the police complaints system."

Det Supt Mallon, was accused of "potentially criminal conduct" in December 1997.

He was cleared but remains suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

Last night, Lord Mackenzie claimed Det Supt Mallon's treatment amounted to an infringement of human rights.

"He's totally constrained - he can't take another job or anything," he said.

"It's a disgrace. You wouldn't do this to a criminal. There would be an outcry by human rights activists."

Lord Mackenzie added that the believed new legislation to change the current complaints system would improve matters.

Ray Mallon said last night: "I am very grateful to Lord Mackenzie for his continued support and for the faith he is showing in me by speaking so publicly in the House of Lords about me.

"There is no doubt that this whole situation in Cleveland has gone on far too long and should have been concluded in a matter of months rather than years."

Cleveland Police declined to comment.

Read Ray Mallon's latest column here.

Read more about Operation Lancet here.