THE business of policing will be on the agenda when suspended cop Ray Mallon addresses a company meeting later in the month.

Tees Valley Business Club has invited Detective Superintendent Mallon to speak at its next meeting to show its members' support for his position.

After three years of investigations as part of the Operation Lancet inquiry, Det Supt Mallon is still suspended from duty, although no criminal charges have been brought against him.

On Friday, he was charged with 14 disciplinary offences and informed of a further five impending charges.

Det Supt Mallon is expected to use his platform at the business club to talk about his position, as well as reinforcing his belief in zero tolerance policing.

Chairman Colin Maclean said: "We invited Mr Mallon to speak because his views on policing are backed by an impressive track record of success in the time he was allowed to do his job.

"There are suspicions that his continued suspension is more motivated by internal politics within the force than by minor procedural misdemeanours.

"It seems he is now an embarrassment and the internal charges are an attempt to keep him out of the way."

The event, at the Arc in Stockton, is open to all business people and will include a £10 buffet, with a donation being made to the Butterwick Children's Hospice