Longest Ever Suspension Of UK Officer

[Oldbillplod]

A policeman is returning to work after being suspended on full pay for more than six years.

PC Gerry Dawson's "gardening leave" has reportedly cost the taxpayer more than £200,000.

He was told to stay at home in September 2001 while he was investigated for alleged corruption, reports The Sun.

It was two years and three months before he was charged and a year and four months later he was cleared by a court.

Another seven months on he was tried again on fresh charges but

PC Dawson, of Cosham, Hants, was again cleared.

But he stayed suspended while bosses launched a misconduct investigation.

After two years they decided he had no case to answer and ordered the £32,000-a-year officer back on the beat.

TaxPayers' Alliance chief executive Matthew Elliott said: "This was ridiculous, costly and unfair.

"Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay someone for not working."

A fellow Hampshire PC joked: "The lads reckon Gerry's garden should be good enough to enter in the Chelsea Flower Show."

Hampshire Police confirmed there had been a "complex investigation" and charges involving alleged importation of stolen Japanese vehicles and theft of a motor vehicle and a trailer.

A spokesman added: "The officer has been reinstated."

It is thought PC Dawson's suspension was the longest ever for a UK officer. Last year nearly 300 officers were suspended on full pay at a cost of £8million.

[Question]

If I were a corrupt cop, I would fake being corrupt, just so I get suspended with full pay and then cleared. :D