POLICE have submitted a file to the Police Complaints Authority following a lengthy internal investigation into complaints against a York sergeant, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Sgt Nigel Davies, a former acting city centre commander in York, has been suspended by the North Yorkshire force for the past 18 months since a number of allegations were made against him.

The PCA said the complaints concerned the alleged use of excessive force against members of the public and also the officer's behaviour towards other officers.

"We have received the final report on this, and the investigation has been completed to the PCA's satisfaction," said a spokeswoman.

"We shall be making a final decision soon."

A colleague added that the PCA's primary role in such cases was to decide whether there should be disciplinary action.

A North Yorkshire police spokesman said: "A York officer has been suspended for about 18 months while an internal investigation was completed.

"A file is currently with the PCA. Neither the officer nor his family want to talk to the Evening Press."

When asked why it had taken 18 months for the matter to be investigated, he said: "It took 18 months because it took 18 months."

PC Les Coverdale, deputy secretary of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, who is representing Sgt Davies on this matter, said he was unable to comment at this stage.

Sgt Davies is a long serving officer who joined the force in 1975. He has spent many years in York, although he has also worked in Selby and Malton.

He received a commendation in 1996 from the then chief constable David Burke for his role in the investigation into the murder of a man in 1994.

He was acting city centre commander in York for some time, including 1996 when the city was hit by a series of bomb scares and police had to temporarily evacuate a small area.

He played a key role in repeated blitzes on motorists who drove illegally in the centre of York, warning in the Evening Press in 2000 that drivers had one more chance to obey the law or face a fine.

When the Evening Press called at Sgt Davies's home to offer an opportunity to comment, our reporter was told he did not wish to make any comment.

Updated: 11:37 Thursday, May 02, 2002