THE people of Middlesbrough are split down the middle over Ray Mallon's gamble to abandon the fight to clear his name in a bid to become the town's first directly-elected mayor.

A survey carried out for The Northern Echo last night found the suspended detective superintendent may not carry the groundswell of public support he hopes will sweep him into the town hall.

In the wake of his surprise decision to end his four-year fight, out of 352 people questioned in Middlesbrough town centre, 147 believed Mr Mallon should stand as mayor, 145 felt he should not and 60 remained undecided.

Asked whether they would vote for Ray Mallon as mayor, 139 said "yes", 153 "no" while 60 were undecided.

The survey was carried out by a team of students from Darlington College of Technology's School of Journalism, Media, Art and Design.

It came as the suspended crimefighter said he remained convinced that he would be able to run for mayor.

The 46-year-old former head of Middlesbrough CID appeared stoical as he was driven home from Cleveland Police headquarters, the scene of the disciplinary hearings, last night.

He said: "It is frustrating, but we have been here for four years and a few more days won't make any difference."

He said he was "absolutely confident" he will be able to stand in the elections for mayor in May, but could not comment on how the hearing was going. "I thought I could get it finished today but that is just one of those things," he added.

Mr Mallon's shock decision on Monday to admit to the 14 disciplinary charges brought in the wake of the long-running Operation Lancet anti-corruption investigation was made in the hope of being fired from the force.

He is barred from standing in the May elections while he is still in the police.

Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw refused to accept his resignation when it was offered last year.

The disciplinary hearing, had he maintained his pleas of innocence, would have been adjourned until the summer.

Hertfordshire Police Chief Constable Paul Acres, who is chairing the disciplinary hearing, is reported to be unhappy with Mr Mallon's blanket admission to all the charges.

He faces nine counts of neglect of duty, three of falsehood or prevarication, one of discreditable conduct and one of misconduct towards a force member.

The hearing resumes today, but Mr Mallon may now have to have to wait until next week to learn his fate.

Read more about this story here.