A POLICE force has agreed an out-of-court settlement with a traumatised assault victim who ended up being charged herself.

The payout was made to the woman after it emerged the officer investigating the case was actually a Facebook friend with the alleged attacker.

Lawyers acting for the victim described it as an “extremely shocking” case which raised serious concerns about the actions of the police concerned.

The woman suffered a broken nose and facial injuries in a nightclub attack in Ripon, North Yorkshire, in March 2012.

But a fortnight later she was informed by a police officer of a counter-allegation of assault - and also told by a friend the officer had links with the alleged assailant on social media.

And in July that year she was arrested and charged – although the charges were dropped three months later and no further action taken.

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell took up her case and an out-of-court settlement has now been reached with the North Yorkshire force – which did not admit liability.

North Yorkshire Police accepted that the PC’s actions were inappropriate but did not admit his friendship with the alleged assailant affected his decision-making. He was subsequently transferred to another station.

Fiona McGhie, of Irwin Mitchell’s public law team, said: “This is an incredibly shocking case in which a woman reported a crime, yet was subsequently treated as the offender herself.”

The lawyers are now calling for all police forces to ensure steps are always taken to prevent officers from being involved in any investigation where there could be a potential conflict of interest.

Ms McGhie added: “This case raises very serious concerns regarding the actions of the police involved.

“It is essential that the circumstances of this case are simply never repeated in the future.”

A force spokeswoman said: “Following this incident North Yorkshire Police received a complaint which was dealt with to the satisfaction of the complainant. A misconduct investigation ensued and the officer concerned was subject to formal disciplinary action and an appropriate sanction was imposed.”

She added: “We would like to reassure members of the public that allegations of misconduct are taken extremely seriously by North Yorkshire Police and formal disciplinary action will be taken where the available evidence justifies such action.”