REDDITCH'S former police chief - who sued West Mercia for sexual discrimination and victimisation - has agreed to an out of court settlement.

Solicitors acting on behalf of former Chief Supt Patsy Lord and for West Mercia Constabulary agreed to settle an Employment Tribunal claim brought by Ms Lord against the force earlier this month.

Ms Lord was suspended from the West Mercia force in 2002 after being accused of bullying staff within her division. But all criminal allegations of psychological assault were overturned following an independent investigation in 2003.

She later sued, claiming she was pushed out of the force because of her sexuality.

The case was due to be heard before an Employment Tribunal in Birmingham in March.

Both parties have agreed the terms of the out of court settlement should remain confidential.

Ms Lord said: "I am pleased to say that my claim for discrimination and other matters has been settled on terms that are to both parties' satisfaction.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during this process and I am now looking to the future.

"I have many fond memories of my service with West Mercia Constabulary and the excellent colleagues I worked alongside. I will always remember these good times."

She thanked her late father, Chief Supt Steve Burrows of Warwickshire police and his family and the Police Superintendents Association.

"Finally, I would like to thank my lawyers, Ian Lewis and Graham Small of Rowe Cohen Solicitors who represented me with professionalism, skill and kindness.

"I will not be making a further public announcement concerning this matter."

West Mercia confirmed it had settled the claim without admission of liability and had agreed not to make any further statement on the claim.