England’s
top gay cop to retire

England's top gay police officer plans to retire from the Metropolitan Police next month after a career of more than 30 years. The Times of London reports that Brian Paddick will engage in public speaking and writing when he leaves his post May 31 as a deputy assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard.

According to the article, Paddick's departure follows a falling-out with police commissioner Ian Blair over an innocent man getting shot by a police officer at an Underground station in July 2005. The victim was thought to be a suspect in a terrorism plot but was later found to be innocent.

Paddick is thought to have been sidelined by the commissioner last year, moving into a position with less responsibility, the article said.

He also came under fire when a former partner accused Paddick of frequently smoking marijuana. In October 2002 a criminal investigation prompted by the allegation cleared him of all charges. (The Advocate)