A DECORATED police officer credited with helping to reform York's binge-drinking culture has been accused of harassing his former partner.

PC David Boag, who was awarded a long service and good conduct medal in 2001, will appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with harassment.

The offence is alleged to have taken place between June 24 and August 28 this year in York.

Crown prosecutors have charged him with harassment of another, under section two of the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

Senior police officers confirmed today that PC Boag has not been suspended from duty.

Les Coverdale, secretary of North Yorkshire Police Federation, said PC Boag was being represented by the federation, the police officers' "union".

He said: "This is purely a personal matter. The break-up of a relationship is always a sad time.

"There has not been any violence. The federation and the police complaints department are trying to give him as much support as we can."

He said PC Boag has not yet decided how he would plead.

PC Boag will be represented by Russell, Jones and Walker, a Wakefield-based law firm which is often hired by the Police Federation.

PC Boag, 45, is one of two licensing officers in York responsible for overseeing the city's bars, pubs and clubs.

Since licensing powers were passed to the council he has been active vetting applications to transfer and vary licences, including bids for extra hours.

He has been at the forefront of reforming York's drinking scene, including running York Police's highly-successful Doorsafe scheme.

The scheme, that registered and trained door staff, was set up in 1999 and has since been overtaken by a national replacement.

He has also overseen anti-drink driving campaigns and moves to ban drinking in public places including Glen Gardens, Heworth, and other York areas.

Prior to his time as a licensing officer, PC Boag served as a police diver.

Updated: 09:55 Tuesday, September 06, 2005