A SENIOR police officer has been suspended on full pay for more than a year - earning around £60,000 in wages while he is off work.

Superintendent Steven Reed, whose role was as head of policing in Glasgow's east end, was ordered off-duty after he was reported to the procurator-fiscal last year.

Since then, the 39-year-old has been paid up to £74,322.

His lengthy suspension came to light after the Crown Office decided there should be no proceedings against him "at this time".

It is understood the case has been referred to the Deputy Chief Constable to allow him to consider whether disciplinary proceedings are appropriate.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "Following full and careful consideration, Crown Counsel instructed that there should be no proceedings at this time."

Supt Reed was initially moved from his London Road office in late 2012 while an investigation was launched.

Specialist officers from Police Scotland's professional standards unit are thought to have interviewed a number of police employees in connection with the inquiry.

According to Police Scotland's pay scale, officers who hold the rank of Superintendent earn between £62,921 and £74,322 a year.

A Police Scotland spokesman said of the officer: "We can confirm that a 39-year-old officer remains suspended from duty."