A serving policeman signed a legal promise not to harass Haworth car park boss Ted Evans or his family rather than face a full hearing at Bradford County Court.

PC Vaughan Evans was accused by the Changegate car park owner of widespread internet abuse by placing defamatory comments on a range of websites.

And although PC Evans strongly denied having ever done such a thing, he agreed to sign an undertaking that he would not harass the car park boss, his wife or children because he wished the drawn-out legal wrangle to come to an end.

Appearing before Recorder Stocken, PC Evans said: “I have not put a word on the internet about him. However, I am ready to sign an undertaking to bring this to a close.”

He added that medical problems contributed to his decision.

Mr Evans presented a new report to the judge which contained information from a police investigation into internet abuse against him and his family. However, she was not minded to examine it in detail. It was acknowledged that PC Evans was not facing any disciplinary or criminal investigation.

“This is a can of worms. I am very anxious this should be brought to an end today,” Judge Stocken said.

She acknowledged that internet abuse was “very much in the public eye at the moment” and asked whether Mr Evans would be prepared to accept the signing of an undertaking by PC Evans.

“PC Evans has an obsession with my family,” said Mr Evans, who nevertheless agreed to the suggestion.

Recorder Stocken said this seemed a satisfactory solution.

“I’m in no position to determine who is right and who is wrong in this case. The last two years have been a living hell to some extent for both of you, I’m sure each of you would say. But the law doesn’t provide the perfect answer,” Judge Stocken said, before drafting a year-long legal undertaking.

It stated that PC Evans would not harass Mr Evans, his wife or children or encourage another person to do so. Nor would he spread malicious stories about them either on internet consumer forums, websites or e-mails.

Recorder Stocken said such an undertaking was a serious matter and had criminal consequences if broken. She did not impose any costs and PC Evans accepted the conditions and signed the binding document.

“All I can do is urge you to lead your separate lives,” the judge concluded.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Evans said he was satisfied with the outcome if all the conditions where adhered to for a year.

PC Evans said, as a serving West Yorkshire Officer, he was unable to comment.