A GAY police officer is to return to work after his conviction for molesting a 16-year-old boy in a public toilet was overturned.

Sergeant David Jewell, 42, was arrested and charged with the sex attack on the teenager in Doncaster last year.

But the Court of Appeal has thrown out the conviction because of a flaw in the trial judge's summary of the case to the jury.

Sgt Jewell, from Newcastle, has asked to be reinstated to his £28,000-a-year job because his name is now clear. At a hearing before Northumbria's Chief Constable last week, Sgt Jewell was told he would be taken back on.

A force spokesman said: "He was convicted of a serious criminal offence and dismissed accordingly. However, once the conviction was overturned it is his right to be reinstated."

Sgt Jewell, who has previously complained to police after posters accusing him of being a paedophile appeared near his home, said: "The past two years have been the most difficult of my life. This ordeal has made me stronger and more prepared for any homophobic abuse I might get. The judge said I had been ill-advised in being open with the jury about my sexuality.

"He was effectively saying that once the jury knew I was gay, it was as good as saying I was guilty."

Sgt Jewell had served on the force for 24 years and been awarded two bravery commendations.

His reputation was destroyed when he was accused of trying to molest the teenager in a shopping centre.

He denied the charge at Doncaster Crown Court, but was convicted of indecent assault and became the first Northumbria officer to be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register