ONE of Hampshire's most senior detectives who was investigated over allegations about his behaviour to another member of staff has quit his job, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Detective Superintendent Tony Adams resigned from his role this week, eight months after being suspended from work following a complaint of alleged "inappropriate behaviour" lodged by a colleague.

Last November the Daily Echo revealed how Mr Adams would not be facing criminal proceedings concerning the allegations made by a female member of staff, after a full report was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

They decided no further action should be taken, however, an internal investigation was still ongoing to determine if he was set to face a force disciplinary hearing in the future.

Well respected by many of his colleagues and particularly within senior ranks, Mr Adams took the decision to leave after 28 years in the force.

In a statement issued to the Daily Echo he said: "I am leaving the constabulary of my own volition and with an unblemished character.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 28 years in the police. I am proud of what I have achieved in that time and I have been lucky enough to work alongside a lot of good people."

He added: "Nonetheless, I have decided that the time is right to move on and I am looking forward to taking my knowledge and experience into a new environment."

Sources say Mr Adams, who joined the force in 1980, had always strongly refuted any wrongful behaviour.

Described by some as "one of Hampshire's best detectives", Mr Adams was involved in some of the most high-profile cases in the county and was tipped as a future head of the county's CID.

The former head of the Criminal Justice Department based in Winchester, he was the face of the inquiry into the death of Southampton student Hannah Foster. He was working out of the county's major crime department when he was suspended.

One senior officer who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Tony was, in my experience, one of Hampshire's best detectives. He was diligent, a model professional who was held in very high regard and we will miss him."

Since May 15 last year when he was removed from his position, Mr Adams has not been able to return to work. The internal investigation was being led by the professional standards department at police headquarters in Winchester.

It is understood he will retire with full pension rights.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that Detective Superintendent Anthony Adams tendered his resignation from the constabulary on January 23, 2008. The resignation was accepted."