Yard terror chief quits in expenses row

Britain's top top terror chief quit the Met today after allegedly misusing his expenses.

Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman stepped down and said the investigation into his entertainment bill had taken a "personal toll".

It is understood that Yard auditors were focusing on £15,000 spent on claims relating to drinks, restaurants, hotel bills and trips abroad.

Today Mr Hayman, 48, who was accused of "misleading" the public and Sir Ian Blair over the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell in 2005, insisted he was innocent but had decided to retire immediately as head of the unit in charge of the fight against terror.

Today in a statement he said: "This role requires total commitment in both time and effort and has a considerable impact on your personal life, your family and friends. It also puts you in the spotlight, often in ways that are very hurtful. Recent weeks have seen a series of leaks and unfounded accusations about me, which I have and will continue to refute strongly.

"However, these events take their toll on you personally and I feel now is the right time for me to step aside."

Mr Hayman is being investigated over his expenses claims and foreign trips with a policewoman, Sergeant Heidi Tubby, his former staff officer.

He has been questioned over thousands of pounds spent on his police American Express card. He has been asked to explain at least £15,000 that one Met official says included claims for "inordinate amounts" of drinking.

His expenses last year included £360.79 at a restaurant in London in October and £387.06 on another meal in June. There is no suggestion Mr Hayman broke the law.

Sgt Tubby, who is not under investigation, was Mr Hayman's staff officer when he was chief constable in Norfolk. She followed him to London in 2005.

It is a major blow for Scotland Yard and Sir Ian in particular as the Commissioner faces a separate investigation into Amex card use by 3,000 officers.

Mr Hayman was criticised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission over his role in the anti-terror operation that saw Mr de Menezes shot dead at Stockwell Tube station after officers mistook him for a suspected suicide bomber in July 2005.

He was accused of "misleading" the public and his boss Sir Ian by failing to pass on suspicions that the Brazilian was not a wanted man straight away.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke was temporarily put in charge of anti-terror policing.