A MODEL police officer faces an uncertain future after being fined for possession of cannabis with a street value of less than 50p.

Arthur Swaine earned a national reputation for his pioneering work changing drinking habits in York, where he was instrumental in establishing a continental-style cafe quarter.

During 26 exemplary years with North Yorkshire Police, he earned commendations from his Chief Constable and divisional commander.

But yesterday his £26,000-a-year job as the county's licensing officer, and his pension, hung in the balance after he pleaded guilty to possession of what his solicitor described as a "miniscule" amount of cannabis.

The 47-year-old police constable had accepted the drug as a present from a younger woman, with whom he was having an affair, Harrogate magistrates heard.

Justine Hepplewhite, a 31-year-old student, had been arrested along with Swaine on suspicion of carrying out an armed robbery at a post office at Burton-in-Lonsdale, in the Yorkshire Dales. No charges were brought against either of them on that matter.

Swaine, of Acomb Road, York, who has been suspended from duty since January, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £110 costs.

He was told by magistrate John Metcalfe the fine had been imposed, instead of a discharge, because he was a serving police officer in a position of respect and authority.

"You are a role model, particularly for youngsters, and a person who frankly should have known better," he said.

Prosecutor Michael Hammond said police had found the cannabis in a briefcase when they searched Swaine's home.

Swaine had said that Miss Hepplewhite had given him the class B drug, which he intended to offer to his wife, in the hope it would relieve her arthritis pain. Miss Hepplewhite had been dealt with - like 99.9 per cent of first offenders - by going to the drugs referral scheme.

Mitigating, Sandra Keen said one joint of cannabis with a street value of less than 50p had been found.

She said Swaine, who has been married for 14 years and has two young children, was totally ashamed of having an affair. He wanted to make a public apology to his wife who sat through the proceedings, and his family, for the distress and embarrassment they had been caused.

After the hearing, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Bagshaw said: "The force will consider whether internal disciplinary action will follow when it has full details of the court proceedings."