POLICE have confirmed that no disciplinary action is to be taken after a probe into a bungled trial.
No one is to be punished after Detective Constable Gary Knapper, from Hartlepool police, was on holiday in Tenerife when he was supposed to be a key witness in a trial at Teesside Crown Court earlier this year.
The prosecution was forced to let the charge lie on file after the officer's non-attendance.
DC Knapper, who lives in east Durham, went on sick leave and has not returned to work, nine months later.
A police spokesman said: "It is very sad that DC Knapper is still on sick leave. The force continues to work hard to facilitate his early return.
"The investigation is finished. It was decided that no action would be taken regarding this matter. It is finalised and no further action is to be implemented."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article