A DETECTIVE who went on holiday to Tenerife instead of appearing in court as a witness has retired from Cleveland Police.

Detective Constable Gary Knapper, of Hartlepool CID, went on sick leave shortly after returning from the holiday isle 18 months ago.

Mr Knapper, from Peterlee, was due to appear as a witness in the trial of James Wanley, from Lealholme Road, Hartlepool, at Teesside Crown Court. The 27-year-old was alleged to have carried out a raid on the home of Phyllis White, 89, of Hartlepool, who has since died.

The case was allowed to lie on file, but Wanley was later locked up for five years after admitting an unrelated raid.

Speaking at the time, Ron White, the victim's eldest son, said: "I am angry Wanley is going to walk away from this. I have not been kept informed of what is happening."

In October last year, Cleveland Police decided no one, including Mr Knapper, would be punished for the incident. It has since emerged Mr Knapper retired six months ago.

A spokeswoman from Cleveland Police said: "Mr Knapper retired at the end of March this year and no disciplinary action has been taken against him."

In November, Mr Knapper released a statement via his solicitor, John McArdle claiming that, when he realised the court date clashed with his previously approved annual leave, he approached his supervisory officer, Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, to express his concerns.

He said he was told everything was in order and that the problem would be sorted out. Cleveland Police admitted there had been a breakdown in communications.

In 1998, Mr Knapper was hailed a hero when he talked a 13-year-old girl out of a suicide bid.