A SENIOR military policeman accused of fraud has been cleared of all charges at York Crown Court - and is now hoping to return to work.

Chief Inspector Graeme Drummond, 47, who headed the MoD police force at RAF Menwith Hill, near Harrogate, was yesterday acquitted of fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds in housing allowances while living rent-free in MoD accommodation.

Speaking after the not guilty verdict, an emotional Mr Drummond said he would now "endeavour to return to work" and said he was grateful for all the support he had received.

Mr Drummond said: "We are just grateful that it's over. It's been a living nightmare. The support of my family and friends has been great. I trusted in the system, I trusted in God and it's paid off.

"I've had tremendous support from my colleagues, I'm glad to say that no one ever doubted me.

"I understand why this prosecution was brought. There were irregularities that had to be aired in public.

"But it's been extremely difficult. I'm not bitter, I've no animosity towards anyone.

"My name has been cleared and hopefully my integrity has been restored to me, which is something that as a police officer hurt me a great deal that I might be seen to be dishonest.

"I will endeavour to return to work. That's something that's entirely in the hands of my chief constable."

During the seven-day trial, Mr Drummond denied that he falsely claimed almost £13,000 in housing allowances after he was mistakenly allowed to live rent-free at his MoD home in Oak Avenue, Harrogate.

Two charges of false accounting, which he also pleaded not guilty to, were dropped by the prosecution during the course of the trial.

Mr Drummond, now of Osborne Walk, Harrogate, told the jury that he thought he was paying rent and had never made any attempt to conceal his allowance claim.

The court also heard that Mr Drummond had been expected to rise to the rank of chief superintendent because of his dedication to his work.

An MoD police spokesman said today that disciplinary proceedings were being considered, and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment on Mr Drummond's acquittal at this stage.

He added that Mr Drummond had been suspended since March 2002 and this would continue until disciplinary matters had been resolved.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, March 12, 2003