AN AWARD-WINNING detective has been sacked by Staffordshire Police after having an 'inappropriate' relationship with a woman while leading the investigation into her rape claims against a male friend.

Detective Constable Gavin Shaw was dismissed for gross misconduct earlier this month after a disciplinary panel heard details of his affair.

Five months earlier the Leek-based CID officer had been awarded a police commendation on February 9 after his "sensitive and professional" approach helped to jail a Hanley rapist for more than six years.

At the time he told The Sentinel: "It's good to be recognised for all the hard work put in."

But Mr Shaw's nine-year police career is now in tatters, pending an appeal over the force's decision.

Their disciplinary hearing concerned the arrest and subsequent charge of a man on suspicion of rape.

The man, who has not been named, was arrested and charged with four counts of rape, one allegation of false imprisonment and one count of assault by beating.

The case was later dropped completely ahead of a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

It was revealed to police on February 24 this year that Mr Shaw had been involved in an intimate relationship with the accuser shortly after the arrest.

The rape suspect – who lived in Newcastle and still works in Stoke-on-Trent – today told how the allegation had made him ill and almost ruined his career.

He told The Sentinel: "My work colleagues knew what was going on, my boss knew, and the owner of the company knew.

"It was an horrific experience.

"I was shoved in a cell for four hours, my DNA was taken and I appeared before magistrates and crown courts.

"I have never been in trouble in my life. I absolutely believe the case would not have reached the stage it did if the officer had not been in a relationship with the accuser."

Mr Shaw was sacked on July 4 following a misconduct hearing on June 29.

A police spokesman said: "Staffordshire Police received a complaint that an officer had been in an inappropriate relationship with a member of the public. Our Professional Standards Department carried out a thorough investigation, which led to the officer's dismissal for gross misconduct.

"The officer has now appealed against this decision to the Police Appeals Tribunal and it would be inappropriate to comment on this particular case any further."

He added: "The overwhelming majority of Staffordshire Police officers work hard to keep their communities safe and protect vulnerable people.

"However, on the rare occasions where officers do abuse their positions of trust, they will be dealt with swiftly and firmly."

A Staffordshire Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: "We discontinued the prosecution after the alleged victim told us she no longer wished to continue with the case."

Lawyers representing Mr Shaw declined to comment.