A RESPECTED policeman who was at the centre of the Portland spy ring case has died.

Leonard Burt, formerly of Weymouth, was a detective constable in 1959 when he made inquiries which led to the arrest of a Russian spymaster and his associates.

Mr Burt, who later became Assistant Chief Constable of Dorset Police, gave evidence in the famous trial at the Old Bailey in 1961 in which five people were found guilty of serious offences.

Mr Burt, who was married to Marie who was also a former police officer, died in his sleep at his Bournemouth home, aged 78.

Friends and relatives have paid tribute to a man whose police career spanned 30 years.

Nephew Alan Burt of Weymouth, who also served as a detective with Dorset Police, remembered his uncle as being ‘in his element’ at any gathering of family or friends.

Mr Burt said: “He never forgot his roots in Weymouth and grew up in a very caring family and at the centre of a tight community.

“He had lifelong ideals of service and care which had been keenly taught and respected.”

Michel Hooper-Immins, also of Weymouth, said: “I was born in Penny Street, directly opposite the Burt family.

“Leonard was always very congenial and neighbourly.

“I was ever delighted to meet him from time to time over six decades.”

Mr Hooper-Immins added: “I will miss his warm friendship, his ready smile and his firm handshake.”

Mr Burt joined the railways after leaving school and worked as a telegraph clerk. National Service saw him join the Dorset Regiment and then the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at Aldershot where he attained the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant.

He joined the Dorset Constabulary in 1954 and rose rapidly through the ranks.

He retired as Assistant Chief Constable of Dorset in December 1984.

Towards the end of his career, Mr Burt was again in the spotlight as he headed the two-year, Operation Countryman inquiry into allegations of corruption in the Metropolitan Police.

Outside of the force Mr Burt became chairman of the Bournemouth Fine Wine Society, was a loyal member of the Society of Dorset Men and led the Ragamuffins, a luncheon club that developed into a fundraising group.

Mr Burt enjoyed swimming, walking, cricket and rugby union.

Every year since 1994, he has laid a wreath of poppies on behalf of Dorset 84 Branch of the Normandy Veterans at the grave of an unknown Dorset Regiment soldier in France.