Former East Lancs police officer and wife jailed for misconduct in public office

A former police officer has been jailed following an investigation into his misconduct.

Cameron Lee Hanson, 33, who used to work as a response constable in the East Division before resigning while under investigation, was jailed for 32 months at Manchester Crown Court.

His co-defendant wife Kirstie Hanson, 33, who worked as a member of police staff in our East Division before resigning while under investigation, was sentenced to 18 months custody.

Their co-defendant Charlotte Riley, 30, who worked as a member of police staff in our East Division before resigning while under investigation, was given a two-year suspended custodial sentence.

On 2^nd November 2021 officers from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) were made aware of a video on the mobile phone of Mrs Hanson which had been recorded at the scene of a murder in Pendle.

Expedited enquiries found that the video was on the mobile phones of Mr Hanson and Riley.

Within 90 minutes of the existence of the video first being reported phones belonging to the Hansons had been seized.

The Hansons were arrested later the same day and immediately suspended from duty while further enquiries were conducted. Riley was arrested in February 2022 following further enquiries which identified offending on her behalf.

Further evidence of the defendants offending was uncovered from their mobile phones.

In relation to Riley, she also sent Mrs Hanson a photograph of her computer screen taken on her personal screen. The image contained text fields that showed someone Kirstie knew was in custody.

Mr Hanson, of Packington Brook, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to seven counts of misconduct in public office: and two counts of causing a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/ data. He was added to the Barred List and will face gross misconduct proceedings in due course.

Mrs Hanson, of Packington Brook, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to eight counts of misconduct in public office; three counts of conspiring to cause a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/ data; and one count of knowingly/recklessly obtaining or disclosing personal data without the consent of the controller.

Riley, of Carholme Avenue, Burnley, admitted three counts of misconduct in public office; and three counts of conspiracy to cause a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/ data.

DCI Eugene Swift, from ACU, said: “The behaviour of these three individuals has no place in Lancashire Constabulary and damages public confidence and trust in the police at both a local and national level.

“When the existence of these videos first came to light we moved quickly to secure the phones and ensure no further offending could take place. A pro-active investigation was then launched, which identified further serious offending. 

“My thoughts are with the victims of this offending and I hope today’s outcome will give them some sense of justice.

“I want to be clear that the overwhelming majority of police officers and police staff in Lancashire are law abiding, respectful and go to work to make a difference in the communities in which they serve. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing by an officer or staff member, the ACU will carry out a proactive and robust investigation – as demonstrated in this case – and work with the Crown Prosecution Service to take the appropriate action.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie said: “This case will understandably leave the public feeling concerned and I know both serving and retired officers and police staff will be left feeling appalled and let down by the behaviour of these three individuals.

“For Lancashire Constabulary, one instance is one too many and detracts from the hard work and commitment to protecting the public that our police officers and staff demonstrate on a daily basis.

“Our anti-corruption unit within our Professional Standards Department is proactively working to identify anyone – no matter role or rank - who chooses to engage in such deplorable behaviour which is completely incompatible with the values and standards of this force. Where such conduct is clearly demonstrated those offenders will lose the privilege of working for Lancashire Police and we will work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to put those individuals before the courts.”

If you would like to report any concerns regarding the behaviours police officers and staff, email hq.psd.acu@lancashire.police.uk. You can also report anonymously any concerns via CrimeStoppers on 0800 085 0000.