THE mother of the detective at the centre of the police strippergram scandal has attacked force bosses over the "disgraceful" way he has been treated.

Mrs Teresa Scanlan spoke of the anguish which has rocked her family since the sex show surprise at her son's birthday celebration at police headquarters at Hutton 10 months' ago.

But she said her son, DC Joe Scanlan, who was based at Accrington, would now fight to keep his job - but accepted his appeal could take six months to be heard.

Mrs Scanlan, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, revealed her married 32-year-old son, whose only wish was to serve in the police force, had this week started a temporary new job as an auction house manager.

And she hit out at what she sees as the "disgraceful" unfairness of his treatment by police superiors.

Police bosses asked DC Scanlan to resign after a two-day inquiry headed by Chief Constable, Pauline Clare. Two fellow Accrington-based officers at the party - which was videoed and later featured on TV and in the national Press - received fines.

The three were on a training course at police headquarters and more than 70 officers witnessed the explicit scenes which took place in the police social club. Grandmother Mrs Scanlan, said: "I do not say I agree with what went on. But I do not believe Joseph has been treated fairly."

She broke her silence after reading a Lancashire Evening Telegraph editorial comment which questioned the wisdom and justice of the inquiry decision.

"The story has been in all the national and local newspapers, and this was the first time it was looked at fairly and objectively.

"It gave Joseph and all the family a boost at a most difficult time," she added.

She said her son, educated at Burnley's St Theodore's High School, had a previously exemplary record and was commended for bravery.

In her letter she states: "So it's OK for criminals to break in, but not for officers to let off steam when off duty.

"The two other officers have got off so lightly it's unbelievable. They were fined and walked back into their jobs. Is this justice? I don't think so. But as long as Chief Constable Pauline Clare is seen to be politically correct, everything is OK."

She adds: "The past 10 months have been so stressful on Joseph, his wife and all the family. We all know he has been made the scapegoat for everyone."

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