A Tayside policewoman recently cleared of a charge of neglect of duty has been permitted to return to work.
Constable Paula Wales can resume duties with Tayside Police following the conclusion of internal disciplinary action by the force.
The move marks the end of a long process that had seen the 36-year-old suspended on full pay for two years ahead of a four-day trial earlier this month.
PC Wales was found not guilty at Dundee Sheriff Court of failing to disclose the mobile telephone number and whereabouts of John Sheridan, who had an outstanding warrant against him between November 2009 and April 2010.
Following her trial, PC Wales remained on suspension as the matter was passed to Tayside’s Deputy Chief Constable Gordon Scobbie for consideration, who was to decide if any further action was to be taken.
With internal proceedings said to have resulted in a verbal warning, PC Wales a local intelligence officer with 14 years’ experience before her suspension can now resume work with Tayside Police.
A spokesman for the force said: “We can confirm that a 36-year-old serving woman police officer is no longer suspended from duty.”
The Courier contacted PC Wales’ partner Colin Speight, but he did not wish to comment on the latest developments.
Sheriff Richard McFarlane had said there was no doubt that PC Wales had known the number and whereabouts of Mr Sheridan between November 2009 and April 2010, but that there was insufficient evidence she had known about the warrant.
Upon the announcement of the not guilty verdict, Ms Wales fell into the arms of her former partner Sandy Brodie and had to be helped from the courtroom by family members.
Mr Brodie, a serving chief inspector with Tayside Police, said at the time: “There are so many irregularities in this case it is inconceivable that they are accidental in what should have been a professional and high-standard investigation.
“I have every confidence that the truth will eventually be established.”