Case dropped against black Met man

Plans to press criminal deception charges against a senior black police officer have been thrown out by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Chief Inspector Leroy Logan, 44, has been told Scotland Yard has insufficient evidence to pursue a case against him in court - despite a five-month investigation.

The Met must now decide whether its claim that the officer fiddled £80 expenses justifies disciplinary proceedings. He strongly denies any wrongdoing.

Today Mr Logan said: "I am extremely relieved. The last five months have been the worst of my life. I have been accused of dishonesty and my reputation that has taken years to build up has been threatened by these very serious allegations." His lawyer Sadiq Khan called it "a complete and utter waste of police and CPS time and money", adding: "The way he has been treated beggars belief."

The development heaps further pressure on officers involved in one of the most controversial internal inquiries conducted by the Met.

Mr Logan, who was recently made an MBE, was accused of fiddling his expenses in 1999 by detectives from Operation Helios, a massive investigation into the alleged activities of Mr Logan's colleague, Superintendent Ali Dizaei. Supporters of the officers, both officials in the Black Police Association (BPA), claim they are the victims of a "racist witchhunt". Last week the Evening Standard revealed that Mr Logan has started employment tribunal proceedings accusing the Met of racial discrimination.

The allegation sent to the CPS concerned a hotel room booked and paid for by the BPA. Mr Logan is said to have presented the bill for about £80 with his expenses some months later. As soon as this was pointed out, he paid it back.

A Met spokeswoman said today: "The internal disciplinary inquiry into this matter continues."