A CLOSE friend of a policeman who killed himself over allegations of sexual harassment made by a female colleague told a tribunal hearing she was given preferential treatment because she was Asian.

PC Paul Walmsley is one of four officers suing Lancashire Police in a race and sexual discrimination case.

Inspector Adrian Myhill, of Blackburn, PCs Barbara White, Keith Ainley and Paul Walmsley claim they were denied full sickness pay benefit when colleague PC Reehaina Saddique was paid in full.

PC Walmsley said PC Saddique, of Baxenden, had slurred his name but was given full sick pay when she went off work and fought a discrimination claim against Lancashire Police.

His friend and colleague Paul Wilkinson shot himself dead after being accused of calling PC Saddique the "office cat" at Lea Police Station, near Preston.

She later agreed to settle her racial discrimination claim and left the force in October.

But PC Walmsley -- an officer 15 years -- said he was placed on half sick pay when he had to take time off due to work-related stress.

He and three other officers are claiming racial discrimination against Lancashire Police in a case which could cost them thousands.

PC Walmsley told the Manchester hearing that, as a key witness in PC Saddique case, he felt he was "extensively involved."

He said he had been recommended to be on full pay throughout his involvement but found out his pay had been halved. He said: "I was bitterly disappointed that the force did not have the courtesy to tell me about my pay.

"PC Saddique was also on extended sick leave and was retained on full pay.

"The only difference was that she was of Asian origin.

"Serious allegations were made by PC Saddique which slurred my name.

"Since the case was settled I have never had the opportunity to clear my name.

"These factors played a big part in her being kept on full-pay."

PC Walmsley, who still serves in the force, said he was signed off work in June 2000 claiming work-related stress and took eight months leave.

He returned in March this year as a patrol officer.

Lancashire Police are fighting the allegations.

In a statement the force said police regulations provide pay to be halved after six months sick leave, although Chief Constable Pauline Clare has the discretion to allow individuals to remain on full pay.

The circumstances of each case are considered on their own merits and discretion exercised when there are "compelling reasons" why an individual should remain on full pay."