A STATES police inspector whose suspension on full pay for almost 18 months cost the taxpayer around £100,000 is back on duty.

Insp Jerry Crow was suspended in January 2005 when he became the subject of a professional standards investigation.

A total of 80 allegations against him were investigated before he appeared at a disciplinary hearing earlier this month, when he was demoted to sergeant.

It is understood that the bulk of the allegations related to the fact that he was behind with paperwork.

A statement released by the force said: ‘The States of Jersey Police can confirm that a police officer faced a disciplinary hearing on 4 July and admitted a number of disciplinary offences.

The officer has been dealt with under the discipline code.’ No criminal charges have been brought against Mr Crow.

Asked why it had taken 18 months to bring the matter to a conclusion, deputy police chief Lenny Harper said: ‘The delay was no one’s fault, it was a combination of circumstances.

Firstly, the allegations related to an ongoing criminal prosecution, not of the officer, which had to conclude before the disciplinary proceedings could be dealt with.

‘Secondly, there were 80 separate allegations and everyone, including the defence, needed time to deal with those properly.

As it happens, his representatives applied for a further delay before the hearing, but that was refused.

It’s nobody’s fault, it was just one of those things.’