A SUPPORTER of former Robocop Ray Mallon is sure the suspended CID chief will answer accusations at a disciplinary hearing if he is forced to.

Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw is refusing to accept Detective Superintendent Mallon's resignation from Cleveland Police.

Mr Mallon says his legal expense insurance has been exhausted and he cannot afford to foot a £120,000 bill just so lawyers can defend him against "trumped up'' disciplinary charges.

As a consequence he will not be attending any disciplinary hearings and has tendered his resignation from the Force to concentrate on campaigning for a 'yes' vote in a referendum in October to decide whether Middlesbrough people want a US style elected mayor.

Despite being cleared of any hint of criminal wrongdoing in June 2000, Mr Mallon faces 14 disciplinary charges.

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said last night: "If Ray is finally forced by the use of regulations to stay on, then I am sure he will continue to fight his corner with the great spirit he has shown the past.

"However, I can understand why he had been driven to want to resign. Quite simply it seems to be a case of the police trying to force Ray Mallon into submission.''

Redcar MP Vera Baird, a barrister, says Mr Mallon may be contractually obliged to attend the hearings.

The politician who is demanding a public inquiry into the long running Operation Lancet, anti corruption inquiry, which saw eight officers, including Mr Mallon, suspended, says he should attend the hearings.

"My own view is he should face the disciplinary charges and get it behind him before he goes into public life.''

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor says as "unpleasant and unacceptable'' as the entire Lancet episode has been to both those involved and those who have watched the proceedings, Mr Mallon should not quit now.

"I think Ray Mallon to date has been seen as someone with integrity, someone who has delivered in police terms, complimented by all sides and parties,'' she said.

"He should this whole episode out with that same integrity.''

Referring to other officers who have been suspended as a result of Lancet, Stockton North Labour MP Frank Cook said: "Some have already faced disciplinary hearings and the consequences which have followed.

"It would be a travesty of justice if they were called to account to their actions, but Mr Mallon was treated differently.''