The Independent Police Complaints Commission has published a report...

Concerning allegations against Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg

The investigation relates to employee benefits recieved by Mr Hogg while he was a senior officer with Cleveland Police.

To look at the circumstances around 2 payments from Cleveland police authority totalling more than 17 thousand pounds;

And the acquisition of a police authority owned Range Rover at his retirement.

To investigate;

-The circumstances surrounding an ex-gratia payment of £7500 made by Cleveland Police Authority to Ron Hogg (Whilst Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police) in August 2006

-A payment of £9916.80 made by Cleveland Police Authority to Ron Hogg (Whilst Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police) in financial week 4 of 2007

-The acquisition of a Police Authority owned Range Rover motor car by Mr Hogg at the time of his retirement from Cleveland Police in September 2008

The investigation report was sent to the CPS who concluded there was insufficient evidence to warrant a criminal charge

An IPCC spokesperson said;

"These were serious allegations against a holder of public office.

Whenever public funds are used to reward holders of high office there needs to be proper scrutiny.

It was important it was independently investigated.

Our investigation has been thorough and identified no evidence that justified any criminal charges against Mr Hogg."

In a statement Ron Hogg commented;

"I am pleased that this report has now been published, but must condemn the unacceptable delays involved in both the investigation and publication process. I have been exonerated and can now finally put this matter to rest."