I strongly believe in my case but this matter has gone on for too long and would continue to do so for a very long time

Jennifer Ord

Mrs Ord, from South Shields, Tyneside, is married to a serving Northumbria police officer.

She served in the US Army for four years and was posted to Saudi Arabia where she met her husband Mick.

They married in 1995 and the couple joined Northumbria Police as probationers two years later.

Soon afterwards she is understood to have complained about her treatment by a senior officer and in 1999 lodged an official internal complaint.

The police force denied that there had been any discrimination.

'Unfortunate experience'

In a statement issued through her solicitor Susan Innes, Mrs Ord said: "Northumbria Police and I have reached a financial settlement.

"As part of an agreement I am unable to comment on the details of my rather unfortunate experience.

"What I can say is that due to their treatment of me I have no faith left in the organisation and I no longer wish to work for them.

"I strongly believe in my case but this matter has gone on for too long and would continue to do so for a very long time.

There has been no discrimination. Officers involved behaved honourably and professionally throughout

Northumbria Police spokeswoman

"I would like to think that Northumbria Police would re-examine their internal practices in the hope that this will not happen to anyone else in the future," said Mrs Ord.

She added that was shocked that the force denied any discrimination took place and alleged it was still "in denial".

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "An approach was made by Mrs Ord who offered to withdraw the complaints against her colleagues and resign from the force.

"The Chief Constable considered all the circumstances, including the cost of defending these proceedings, and considered that this was the best resolution in the interests of all the officers involved and the organisation.

"Mrs Ord requested a payment of �7,500 and this was accepted on the understanding that her resignation takes immediate effect.

"There has been no discrimination. Officers involved behaved honourably and professionally throughout."