Detective hits back at claims

A SUFFOLK detective today said claims he falsified evidence and put police informants in danger were "personally damaging".

Detective constable Steve Rowland was responding to claims made by his former colleague Vivienne Yarham at an employment tribunal last week.

The 39-year-old says he was not given the chance to clear to his name and was never told the full extent of the claims.

He said: "I would like to stress I have not been the subject of any criminal or discipline proceedings.

"I am disappointed that although the tribunal was not against me, my name was mentioned in court on a daily basis in such a way. I was not invited to attend and give evidence.

"At no time have I been formally spoken to about any of these allegations, and until this tribunal I have never officially been told the extent and content of the allegations."

Ms Yarham, of Nacton, made the accusations during a week-long tribunal hearing held in Bury St Edmunds.

The 44-year-old, who previously worked as a source handler, is claiming constructive unfair dismissal against the force.

Dc Rowland said: "I am disappointed that such a sensitive and vital area of policing has been thrown into the public domain.

"I remain proud to be a detective within this force."

Dc Rowland pointed to a glowing report written about him at the time the allegations surfaced, in the summer of 2003.

His former supervisor, detective sergeant Stan Nicholls, said he was an "example to all officers" in dealing with sources.

Dc Rowland added: "It is my opinion that Suffolk Police operate excellent and very professional standards of source handling and public confidence should remain high, despite the adverse publicity generated by the tribunal.

"I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all my colleagues and friends who have shown me such support over this time."