Mark Gibney died in a motorcycle crash in 2003

Richard Brunstrom was criticised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for showing photos of Mark Gibney, 40, at a private press briefing without telling his family.

The IPCC said Mr Brunstrom did not commit a criminal act.

In a report, Mr Brunstrom says he was entirely to blame for a "bad" decision.

The report will be presented to a special meeting of North Wales Police Authority next Tuesday.

In it, Mr Brunstrom accepts that the IPCC report, published last Friday, was a "fair, accurate and proportionate reflection of the circumstances", and he has "no hesitation in accepting it, and its recommendations, in full."

Personally I think I was just stupid - a single bad decision, taken in haste, with unforeseen and wholly unintended consequences Richard Brunstrom

He adds: "Secondly, any fault lies entirely with me, and not with any of my staff. I controlled events, I took the major decisions, I made the mistake and I am personally and solely accountable for it."

Mr Gibney died in 2003 when his bike crashed on a bend between Cerrigydrudion and Ruthin in Denbighshire.

An image of his severed head lying on a grass verge was shown to journalists and council officials during a private road safety presentation in April 2007.

The IPCC report said that Bill Gibney, Mark's father, had tried to shelter his family from detailed knowledge of the nature of his son's death in 2003.

Following the IPCC's report, Bill Gibney and two Welsh MPs called for Mr Brunstrom to resign.

Mr Brunstrom admits he made a "stupid" decision

Apologising for his actions, Mr Brunstrom will tell the police authority next week: "Firstly, I bitterly regret the distress that my actions have undoubtedly caused to the Gibney family.

"I have apologised to them in writing, and I do so again now, unreservedly. I placed too much trust in the behaviour and integrity of journalists.

"Some commentators have called this naivety. Perhaps they are right, but personally I think I was just stupid - a single bad decision, taken in haste, with unforeseen and wholly unintended consequences.

"It was an error of judgement, and one I will not repeat. I offer the authority my apologies for this lapse."

He will also make a number of recommendations, including the creation of a new department headed by a "director of information".