A POLICEMAN has been ordered to appear before a misconduct hearing after a court case was dropped because he was at the races instead of giving evidence.

Lancashire Constabulary's professional standards department has completed an investigation into the actions of PC Geoff Warburton and decided he must appear before the panel on June 24.

The inquiry was launched after Judge Lesley Newton called for police bosses to investigate the circumstances and inform her of disciplinary action.

PC Warburton failed to show up at Burnley Crown Court on April 7. It is believed officers from the court, sent to find his whereabouts, were told he had gone to Donington Park Race Circuit.

A case of affray and racially aggravated destruction of property against three Blackburn men was then discontinued.

Wezley Ferrie, 21, of Infirmary Street, Scott Dagg, 20, of Yates Fold and Michael Queen, 19, of Chapel Street, left court free men. Their trial had been expected to take three days.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it was left with no option because, without PC Warburton, there was no evidence.

It is believed the incident occurred because of a mix-up over dates.

A police spokesman said: "The internal investigation has been completed.

"The officer will now appear at an internal misconduct hearing on Tuesday June 24."

In November 2001, PC Warburton was hailed a hero after saving the life of two heroin users who had overdosed.

He gave them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at a Blackburn house and said afterwards: "I was just doing my job."

PC Warburton has not been suspended.