The Policewoman who accused a constable of sexual harassment produced "a masterpiece in pure fiction'' during her evidence, a tribunal heard yesterday.

Richard Hector QC, representing the accused officer, claimed the alleged victim lied about the incident at Somerset Police station.

P.c. A, 26, claimed the West Indian-born officer forced a kiss on her and rubbed his private parts, telling her how much he wanted her.

She also told the Board of Inquiry that the man had asked her to "model'' for him when she was wearing a wrap-around skirt at the photocopying machine seven to ten days earlier.

But Mr. Hector yesterday told the inquiry that P.c. A had not told the full truth about either incident in September 1996.

Referring to the photocopying incident, he said: "I'm going to suggest that that never happened at all -- that that is a bit of pure fiction.'' P.c. A, being cross-examined, said: "It did happen.'' But Mr. Hector said: "Your efforts here yesterday, when you gave evidence, were a masterpiece in pure fiction for the most part. What's your reaction to that?'' P.c. A added: "What I said in my evidence was true.'' Mr. Hector opened his questions by referring to the alleged sexual harassment incident on September 11, 1996.

Turning to the complainant, he said: "We say that you are lying about this incident. I want you to know that from the outset. What's your reaction to that?'' P.c. A said: "I'm telling the truth.'' But Mr. Hector added: "I'm going to suggest to you that when you went into that room, it was you who held onto P.c. B.

"I'm going to suggest to you further that it was you who approached B, putting your arms around him, and he rejected your advances. What's your reaction to that?'' P.c. A said: "That's not true sir.'' Mr. Hector also asked her if she had told the Police doctor she had complained about being sexually assaulted by two different officers.

But P.c. A said she could not recall saying that and had not been assaulted by two officers.

Mr. Hector asked: "Do you have a defective memory, like you forget things on occasions?'' P.c. A said: "No I don't sir.'' She also said her complaint to the Human Rights Commission did not include every detail of the incident because she was told the case could not be investigated as a sexual assault.

The officer's best friend, P.c. Okina McGowan, had earlier taken the stand to tell how the pair had shared tearful phone conversations following the September 11 incident.

Inquiry chairman Tim Marshall also ruled against a bid by Mr. Hector to introduce evidence from three Policemen concerning P.c. A's sexual banter with other officers.

But he cleared the way for evidence to be introduced from two other officers.

Mr. Marshall added: "It would be sheer speculation for a tribunal to find that a vivacious, outgoing woman is likely to be less traumatised by sexual harassment than a reserved woman.'' The case will continue on February 22.

POLICE POL