A former police chief who pioneered a "softly, softly" approach to cannabis possession has said he accepts he will not get his old job back.

Commander Brian Paddick was moved from his �93,000-per-year post after drug allegations made by a former boyfriend in March.

Mr Paddick, who introduced the controversial policing approach in Lambeth, was Britain's highest-ranking openly gay officer.

Last month he asked for his old job back after learning he would not face disciplinary action over the allegation he smoked cannabis.

But on Friday in a statement on the Urban75.com website he suggested his return would be impossible because of media interest.

For me it was not just a job, it was a personal commitment to those I worked for

Commander Brian Paddick

Mr Paddick's former boyfriend accused him of smoking cannabis and allowing it to be smoked in his home, sparking an investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

However, in October it was announced there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Paddick, who had always denied the allegations.

Mr Paddick has now been appointed to help implement the National Intelligence Model, the Metropolitan Police's blueprint for reducing crime.

Supporters had called for him to be reinstated in Lambeth.

But on the website he said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens had made it clear he should move on to other duties.

Media attention

He said: "To be the police commander for Lambeth was my career ambition from 1980 when I first served in the borough.

"My 15 months as Lambeth's commander were the most challenging and fulfilling of my police service."

He added: "For me it was not just a job, it was a personal commitment to those I worked for, both to the people of Lambeth and to those brave and committed men and women, the police and support staff of Lambeth."

Mr Paddick said if he returned there would be "unreasonable and unjustified" media attention on the work of his police colleagues and on the borough itself.