Female detective vows to clear name

The officer investigated the Birmingham car bombing

The country's most senior female detective is said to be angry and disappointed at a decision to make her answer misconduct allegations.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ellie Baker, who has been suspended from her high-ranking post for 12 months, is to face an internal misconduct hearing held by her employer, West Midlands Police.

The news that Ms Baker will answer allegations that she manipulated a pensioner into recommending her for an OBE comes after a lengthy inquiry believed to have cost more than £1m.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM on Friday Chief Superintendent Ron Pearce from the Superintendents' Association, which represents Ms Baker, said she would fight to clear her name.

He said: "She is disappointed and angry that some people in the West Midlands are seeking to besmirch her integrity and reputation.

"She remains resolutely and steadfastly determined to defend her reputation and strenuously deny any allegations against her in any misconduct hearing."

Position of trust

The decision to make Ms Baker answer the allegations comes after an independent inquiry into her case by the Police Complaints Authority.

The head of crime support at West Midlands Police was suspended on 4 November last year after claims she had abused her position of trust.

She remains resolutely and steadfastly determined to defend her reputation and strenuously deny any allegations against her in any misconduct hearing. Chief Superintendent Ron Pearce, Superintendents' Association

The initial claims related to a complaint by a pensioner who had sent gifts to the officer, which she claims she had returned.

Last April, the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was no evidence for any criminal charges to be brought against Ms Baker.

Ms Baker led several high-profile cases, including the investigation into the failed car bomb in Birmingham two years ago.

The attempted bombing on 3 November 2001 failed when the detonator did not set off the main device.

She has been head of the force's crime support department for the past four years, during its radical restructuring.

She oversaw the reduction in staffing levels from around 1,000 to nearer 600, leaving a core of expert officers dealing with key areas like high-profile murders, gun crime, major fraud and paedophile activity.