A police chief walked free from court today after a jury threw out claims that he set fire to his own car and tried to frame his mistress' husband for the arson attack.

Chief Superintendent Jim Trotman looked visibly relieved, pulled a football-style fist and shouted "thank you" as the jury of seven men and five women cleared him of three serious offences including arson and insurance fraud.

He was accused of setting fire to his Citroen C4 Picasso and pinning the blame on the husband of his married mistress Karin Gray, claiming more than £18,000 on insurance for the destroyed vehicle.

However, today the jury decided that Mr Trotman was innocent and had not carried out the arson attack.

During the course of the two-week trial at Swindon Crown Court the jury had been told that the police investigation into the arson attack had been deeply flawed.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood said: “Thames Valley Police expects the highest levels of both professional and personal conduct from its officers and staff.

"It is imperative that the police take all reports of crime seriously and this case was thoroughly investigated and a file was passed to the CPS who decided that there was sufficient evidence to bring this case to court.

”Chief Supt Trotman will remain suspended from duty until the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing on conduct matters unconnected with the criminal case. As this is ongoing, Thames Valley Police is unable to comment further.”