PC Wayne Carter was suspended after an incident involving another officer at a party two years ago.

He said the issue had affected his prospects for promotion.

But the tribunal rejected claims he had been treated differently than a heterosexual officer would have been.

His homosexuality had absolutely nothing to do with the way he was treated. Christopher Goodchild, Tribunal Chairman

The tribunal heard Mr Carter invited colleagues to the Charles Street Police Station social club for drinks on 16 April, 2002.

The hearing was told raucous behaviour ensued which continued when the group moved on to an Indian restaurant in the city.

Senior officers subsequently launched two separate investigations - one into events at the social club and another into what happened in the restaurant.

Mr Carter, along with a number of other officers, was suspended on full pay.

During his suspension he successfully applied for promotion to sergeant and, the tribunal heard, expected to be promoted to that rank quickly.

'Disgraceful' behaviour

But he was made subject to a two-year review before he could be become sergeant.

Disciplinary proceedings followed but he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The officer, who is a sergeant with West Midlands Police, had claimed the delay in his promotion was a form of discipline.

But tribunal bench chairman Christopher Goodchild ruled: "His homosexuality had absolutely nothing to do with the way he was treated".

Leicestershire Police said it was pleased at the tribunal's outcome.