But Chief Inspector Sharon Rowe remains suspended and could still face the sack after Sussex Police revealed it was considering misconduct proceedings against her.

Chief Insp Rowe was arrested in late September with Detective Chief Inspector Jim Torbet for allegedly stealing wine from Marks & Spencer at Shoreham.

The two officers were both bailed pending further enquiries but DCI Torbet was tragically found dead at his Peacehaven home on October 30.

There were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Not in public interest

Yesterday lunchtime (Wednesday, November 26), police revealed the Crown Prosecution Service had decided against charging Chief Insp Rowe, saying in a statement: "We have now received the decision from the CPS that it will not be in the public interest to prosecute a chief inspector for theft.

"In view of this decision Sussex Police are now considering initiating misconduct proceedings."

Howard Hodges will continue as acting chief inspector while further action is considered.

Career

Chief Insp Rowe joined the police force in 1986, with most of her time spent in Brighton and Hove.

She was based at Shoreham as a sergeant in 1991 and has since been a detective inspector within the CID unit and worked at the force headquarters in Lewes.
She became Brighton's first woman inspector in 1998.

Following two years at Gatwick Airport, where she was a detective chief inspector, Chief Insp Rowe moved back into uniform in April, 2004, when she was appointed Adur district commander.

Following a successful spell, she was appointed Worthing district commander in 2007, saying: "I am looking forward to working in a thriving community and with a new local authority. It will be a real challenge."

Speaking to the Herald in August, Chief Insp Rowe said she had been in discussions with the management of the Marks & Spencer store in Montague Street, Worthing, as its layout encouraged shoplifting of alcohol by seafront street-drinkers.

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