A highly paid Hamilton police officer suspended with pay for four years has suddenly retired in the midst of his misconduct hearing.

Inspector David Doel faced 14 counts of misconduct under the Police Services Act. That includes having sex while on the job, keeping pornography on his work computer and using video equipment and the national criminal database for his own personal use.

Doel’s hearing was finally held this week. But after four years of waiting, it won’t happen.

“As of today, that concludes our ability to deal with the 14 allegations,” prosecutor Lynda Bordeleau said during the hearing at the Crown Plaza.

Doel will retire as of March 31. Chief Glenn De Caire from Hamilton Police Service said in a statement that he has “no choice or option” but to accept Doel’s retirement.

From Doel’s first appearance in 2010, De Caire said, the service “argued vehemently for an open, public Police Services Act tribunal and we worked diligently to advance the issues in a transparent manner.”

He also spoke against how long the process has taken.

“What I do not accept is the ability with the Police Services Act to protract the process at the expense of the taxpayer,” he said.

Doel is on the province’s sunshine list of six-figure earners. He made $140,725.94 in 2011. Over four years, he has earned more than $500,000 without working.

De Caire has been a vocal opponent of suspension with pay. He reiterated this in his statement.

“I further do not accept that any member remain on the payroll when facing significant, serious discipline when the alleged behaviours that breach their oath of office are totally unrelated to the duties and functions of a police officer,” he said.

De Caire said he will continue to advance these issues with the province.

Doel sat quietly during Thursday’s session with no apparent supporters in the audience. At the end of the brief session, he slipped out through a side door.

As of March 31, Bordeleau said, the hearing parties will “lose jurisdiction” over the case.

Doel announced his retirement during the closed-door session Wednesday. The Hamilton Spectator reports that he is 10 months short of his pension eligibility date.