Sussex Police could be without a Deputy Chief Constable for at least another year due to legal action over the fatal shooting of an unarmed man.

The news has been condemned as an "appalling waste" of the deputy's £80,000 salary and his work.

Mark Jordan was suspended by the

Sussex Police Authority in March after complaints over his role in the police shooting in Hastings in January last year.

An independent tribunal will deliberate on Mr Jordan's case, but the Argus has learned its findings are not likely to be acted upon until after the criminal cases resulting from the shooting have ended. That is not expected to be until late next year at the

earliest.

The delay was described as "scandalous" by one member of the Sussex Police Authority.

The member added: "I realise the wheels of justice grind inexorably slowly, but this is absolutely crazy. This is a waste of the man's expertise for the force, and a waste of public money."

The Sussex branch of the Police Federation agreed. Eric Reed, joint secretary, said: "It is daft and a complete waste, but we must work within the rules."

The tribunal and authority believe their hands are tied because much of the evidence in Mr Jordan's case is linked to trials next year involving five other Sussex

officers suspended after the shooting. One has been charged with murder.

But the SPA member believes the deputy could be reinstated and given limited responsibilties. Other sources say this is unacceptable because it could bring him into contact with officers connected with the shooting trials.

Mr Jordan, 40, stands accused of releasing firearms for the Hastings operation when there was insufficient intelligence. His lawyer, Peter Williams, of the London solicitors Winckworth Sherwood, said: "Mr Jordan denies the allegations, has always denied them, and will strenuously defend any proceedings if they are brought against him."

An independent solicitor is drawing up official charges against the deputy, and the police authority is expected to discuss the case in private when it meets on December 16.

James Ashley, 39, died during a raid by armed police on his Hastings flat.

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