PC taken off normal duties after ex-wife's mag story

A POLICEMAN has been taken off frontline operations after his Stourport ex-wife went public in a national magazine about their divorce.

Emma Jordan, 27, alleged her former partner used violence against her during their short marriage in last week's issue of Pick Me Up and police confirmed the matter was being reviewed.

Ben Jordan, who serves in the West Mercia force, said he admitted being violent on the divorce papers to speed up the process.

The 27-year-old, who served in the Army during the relationship, told the magazine: "I agreed to what Emma said about violence in the divorce papers on a legal document, to get the divorce done.

"Legally, I agreed that the violence did happen but it doesn't really make a difference and I don't have anything else to say on the subject."

The news came just a week after a campaign to tackle the problem of domestic violence was launched by the force.

Mrs Jordan told the Shuttle/Times & News she had reported incidents, which were alleged to have happened in 1999 and 2000, to the police but was too frightened to press formal charges.

The veterinary nurse welcomed any new initiatives that helped women suffering with abuse from their partners.

She added: "It was so hard at the time because I felt ashamed. I could not even bring myself to tell anyone what was going on."

Mrs Jordan said the couple's three-and-a-half year relationship before their marriage was "just like any other" and the violent incidents did not begin until her wedding night after the reception at the Hundred House at Great Witley.

She added: "There is no axe to grind or anything like that. I have moved on and do not want to drag up everything that went on in the past."

Police spokeswoman, Kate Tonge, confirmed the matter was being reviewed and an officer had been "moved from operational duties".

She added: "Domestic violence is an issue the West Mercia Constabulary takes very seriously and we recently launched a campaign to raise awareness.

"The allegations were brought to the force's attention in 2003 and were fully investigated by the Professional Standards Department.

"As a result of that investigation, the matter was resolved. There were no criminal charges arising out of that investigation. Following the publication of the article, the matter is being reviewed.

"As is routine in these circumstances, an officer has been moved from operational duties pending the conclusion of the review."