THE whistle-blower who claimed a chief constable was behind the leak of a damning report on Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon has resigned.

Joanne Malone has given up her job as Cleveland Police's head of media after 13 years because her situation at work had become intolerable.

Mrs Malone pointed the finger at the force's Chief Constable Barry Shaw after the report, which was highly critical of Det Supt Mallon's "zero tolerance" tactics, was released to a national newspaper.

In doing so, she sought protection from the Public Interest Disclosure Act, which is designed to safeguard the rights of staff in drawing attention to misconduct by their superiors.

The Northern Echo understands that she is now seeking legal advice with a view to suing Cleveland Police for constructive dismissal in leaving her with no other option but to resign.

It was in June this year, on the same morning that Det Supt Mallon was due to hold a press conference after being cleared of criminal wrong-doing, that the Treasury Counsel report was leaked.

After tipping off Cleveland Police Authority that she believed Mr Shaw was behind the disclosure, Mrs Malone later admitted to whistle-blowing.

An official inquiry into her allegations, being led by Mike Hedges, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, is expected to conclude by the end of the year. None of the officers named by Mrs Malone have been suspended.

Last night, Mrs Malone said she was too upset to comment on her resignation.

But a Cleveland Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that Mrs Malone, the public and media affairs manager, has tendered her resignation following her disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosures Act. Negotiations have been ongoing with Mrs Malone to facilitate her early return to work.

"These negotiations will continue and it is hoped that the outstanding concerns voiced by Mrs Malone can be resolved and that she will return to her current post.