A CHIEF constable who faced calls for his resignation after admitting gross misconduct has reaffirmed his commitment to the job.

Grahame Maxwell, of North Yorkshire Police, was issued with a final written warning earlier this year, after helping a relative circumvent a recruitment process in February last year.

Mr Maxwell, 50, admitted gross misconduct on the grounds of discreditable conduct on the first day of a scheduled five-day hearing in May.

He has been accused of wasting taxpayers’ money, after it was revealed this week that the cost to the public purse could top £300,000.

In a statement, Mr Maxwell sought to draw a line under the affair.

He said: "It is now time for this issue to be concluded so I can devote my energy to performing the duties of chief constable. I know I have the unanimous support of the police authority to do this.

"My position hasn't changed since these allegations came to light. I outlined what I had done and apologised in writing to the police authority.

"I have always been clear and admitted what I did and why I did it.

"Following the investigation, several alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour were put to me, arising from the investigator’s conclusions.

"Among those was a specific allegation that I had acted dishonestly.

"I found myself unable to accept that, even though I had acknowledged my actions had been in error and that I expected to be held to account for my mistake."

Mr Maxwell acknowledged the "significant expense" of the disciplinary hearing and concluded by calling on those with "the best interests of the North Yorkshire police service at heart" to support him.