Police chief broke rules on business air miles

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates broke his own force's policy by using the perk for private flights.

He has agreed to pay back any outstanding tax owed on the trips, which are viewed by HM Revenue & Customs as a benefit in kind.

Mr Yates, 51, has led a number of high-profile investigations and is heading the reopened inquiry into allegations of phone hacking by News of the World journalists.

He has said he plans to interview the paper's former editor Andy Coulson, who is now Prime minister David Cameron's director of communications.

Reports have suggested the police chief used air miles from his work journeys to cut the cost of up to 10 flights taken by family members.

Under Scotland Yard rules, points amassed by officers as a result of official flights must be used to reduce the cost of future work trips.

As a senior Metropolitan Police officer, Mr Yates is entitled to travel business class when he goes abroad for work.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "This is a timely reminder of a policy that may not be obvious and we will be taking steps to reinforce it to all of our staff."