AN ex-policeman is to sue Cleveland Police after the finger was pointed at him over the collapse of a trial.

Detective Constable Gary Knapper, of Hartlepool CID, hit the headlines last year after it emerged he went on holiday to Tenerife when he was supposed to be a vital witness in a burglary trial, which collapsed as a result.

But he claimed bosses had given him permission to take the holiday, despite knowing about the trial.

Media reports blamed Mr Knapper for the bungle, and he claims Cleveland Police never attempted to clear his name.

Mr Knapper's solicitor, John McArdle, confirmed yesterday he was suing for damages.

He said the detective's bosses had allowed Mr Knapper to take the full blame for what happened, leading to him suffering from a stress-related illness and having to take time off work, before he retired last March.

Mr McArdle said: "There was a great deal of publicity at the time in Hartlepool, and the pressure built up on Mr Knapper. He had in fact been granted permission to go on holiday and he was shocked to come back to the adverse publicity."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman confirmed they had received notice of a legal action.

She said: "There are no court proceedings currently in existence but we have received notification of a claim."

The case against burglar James Wanley, 27, of Lealholme Road, Hartlepool, collapsed at Teesside Crown Court after Det Con Knapper, of Peterlee, failed to show.

The judge said it was a "dereliction of duty" on behalf of the police and dismissed the case.

Mr Knapper claims he approached his senior officer, Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, when he realised his approved annual leave clashed with the trial date, and was told the problem would be sorted out.

Cleveland Police admitted from the start there had been a breakdown of communications in the case, and no disciplinary action was taken.