Police quiz colleague over cancer cash claims

Rachel Hewitt is alleged to have made the claims about her elder daughter suffering from leukaemia before senior officers at North Yorkshire Police agreed to allow her to have a 12-month career break.

It has been claimed that colleagues in the North Yorkshire force collected thousands of pounds in a fundraising drive after learning about the supposed plight of Hewitt’s daughter.

However, rumours started to circulate in the showjumping world that it was all a ruse to allow Hewitt to take time off to help her other daughter to become a leading rider.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that a 39-year-old woman from Yorkshire had been arrested and questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and fraud.

The woman was questioned by members of the North Yorkshire force’s Professional Standards Unit on Monday this week before she was bailed to a later date while inquiries continue.

The North Yorkshire Police spokesman added: “As this is an ongoing investigation it is inappropriate to comment further.

“The woman who has been arrested is on a career break and not currently employed by North Yorkshire Police.”

Hewitt’s younger daughter competed at the Horse of the Year Show which was staged at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend.

Hewitt is alleged to have had an argument at the show, which is the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian event, with other parents who confronted her over the alleged scam.

She was arrested only 48 hours later by her colleagues from the North Yorkshire force.

Hewitt and her 44-year-old husband, John, encouraged both of their daughters to take up riding from a young age.

The family, who live in a detached property in a village close to the border of North and West Yorkshire, are understood to own at least six ponies.