RAY Mallon is expected to be charged with 14 disciplinary offences today.

The Police Complaints Authority has refused to reveal details of the charges facing Detective Superintendent Mallon although he has claimed they relate to doubts over his judgement and decision-making.

The charges are the result of the three-year Operation Lancet, which earlier in the year cleared Supt Mallon of any criminal offences.

Although Supt Mallon and his supporters have called for any disciplinary hearing to be held in public, it is thought more likely that the proceedings will take place behind closed doors.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman, who refused to confirm when the charges would be put to Supt Mallon, said: "This is a private matter between the police and Mr Mallon and we will not be releasing details of the charges."

Speaking earlier in the week, Supt Mallon said: "The charges are primarily concerned with my judgement in relation to decision-making, and it concerns me that my accusers wish to judge me by a benchmark of perfection and scrutiny which I know others would not be able to withstand."

Operation Lancet is in its third year and has so far cost taxpayers around £5m.

Supt Mallon is the first and only policeman to be charged during the investigation, despite a number of officers being suspended by Cleveland Police on full pay.