A POLICE force has paid out a four-figure sum to a woman who claims she was groped by a constable.

Cheryl Robson, 22, has received an award of £6,000 from Cleveland Police, despite former PC Andrew Shearer being cleared by a jury of groping her bottom.

The mother-of-two said last night: "I think it was a fair payout."

Scott Taylor, of solicitors Watson Woodhouse, said: "We can confirm Ms Robson was awarded £6,000 from Cleveland Police, but liability was not admitted.''

The father-of-two from Stockton, was moved to Middlesbrough from Redcar following a disciplinary hearing in June 2000 into a string of allegations brought by female shop workers in Redcar.

Rather than sack him, Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw fined Mr Shearer £600, reduced his pay and ordered him to be moved to Middlesbrough.

Mr Shearer appeared at Leeds Crown Court in August 2001 charged with indecent assault on Ms Robson who claimed he had groped her as she backed out of a police van, which she had entered to talk to officers inquiring into a burglary at Hemlington.

He was sacked last year on the grounds of bringing discredit on the force, following a disciplinary hearing into complaints brought by two other women.

Meanwhile, Miss Robson brought a civil case against Mr Shearer for personal injury and against the chief constable for negligence.

The case was listed for civil court where Mr Shearer's lengthy disciplinary record would have been admissible, but the force confirmed yesterday it had paid Ms Robson £6,000 in an out-of-court settlement.

A Cleveland Police spokes-man said: "Mr Shearer was found not guilty of indecent assault by a jury at Leeds Crown Court and was later dismissed from the force following a disciplinary hearing in relation to other matters.

"We can confirm we have paid a cash sum to the alleged victim in the criminal trial.

"As far as Cleveland Police is concerned, the matter is now closed.''