NORTH Yorkshire has a new police chief today.

David Kenworthy, former assistant chief constable of Avon and Somerset, takes over as replacement to David Burke, who was forced to retire two weeks ago under a cloud of controversy.

What should have been a celebratory end to Mr Burke's career was overshadowed by the county's police authority beginning disciplinary proceedings against him for his handling of the Libby Ashurst Harrogate sexual harassment affair.

Mr Burke then offered to stay on to clear his name, but was forced out when the police authority realised it had been wrong to start action against Mr Burke so close to his retirement date.

Mr Kenworthy began his career with the Metropolitan Police before serving in suburban Surrey.

But he will not be able to ignore the sexual harassment saga which has dogged the North Yorkshire force since former DC Libby Ashurst was granted an out-of-court settlement over her allegations of sexual harassment.

There are still two reports to be considered - one into the actions of junior officers and one discussing the conduct of former assistant chief constable John Giffard.

But today the force was welcoming its new chief. Spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "Mr Kenworthy takes over a force in very high spirits, looking at crime figures which continue to nosedive, and with massive public support throughout the county as evidenced in recent Government figures."

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