A former chief constable of Essex Police is being sued in a dispute over a “golden handcuffs” bonus payment.

Roger Baker was employed by the force on a salary of £139,000 between 2005 and 2009.

Over that period he received an extra £85,000 to reward him for staying at the force.

But now the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston has confirmed he is taking legal action against Mr Baker, from Sudbury.

Mr Alston said the deal paid to the 56-year-old former North Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable fell outside Home Office payment regulations and that he had been aware of this irregularity since 2013.

He said: “Since that time I have been seeking clarification of the rationale and legal authority for those payments.

“I have continued to progress this matter robustly, always seeking to achieve a resolution in the best interests of the people of Essex.

“I can confirm I have now commenced legal proceedings to seek to recover £85,000 plus interest from Mr Baker.

“As legal proceedings are now active, I am unable to say anything further about this specific case.”

The PCC also said that he felt it was time for a national review of chief office allowances and bonuses to “guarantee consistency and accountability”.

Mr Baker who went on to work for police watchdog HM Inspectorate of Constabulary after leaving Essex Police, and is now a non-executive director at Colchester Hospital University Foundation NHS Trust.

Mr Baker has said he is unable to comment as legal proceedings are active.