Two 22-year-old women, former Derbyshire Police call handlers, have been charged with misconduct in public office after allegedly passing confidential information to criminals and failing to disclose associations with individuals involved in criminal activity. They appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court and have been released on bail pending a hearing at Leicester Crown Court.
Two former Derbyshire Police call handlers have been formally charged and appeared in court following allegations of serious misconduct, specifically accused of sharing sensitive police information with individuals linked to criminal activity.
Jessica Fitzhugh and Ellie-Mae Doherty, both aged 22, faced Leicester Magistrates' Court earlier today, where they were presented with charges relating to misconduct in public office. The allegations center around unauthorized access to Derbyshire Police’s computer systems and the subsequent provision of confidential data to what authorities describe as ‘unauthorised third parties’. This breach of trust raises significant concerns about the security of sensitive law enforcement information and the potential compromise of ongoing investigations.
Beyond the data breaches, both women are also accused of failing to disclose associations with individuals known to be involved in criminal enterprises, a further breach of protocol and a potential obstruction of justice. The court hearing was brief, lasting approximately five minutes, during which both Fitzhugh and Doherty were required only to confirm their personal details – names, addresses, and dates of birth.
No formal pleas were entered at this stage, indicating the case will proceed to a higher court for further examination. Fitzhugh, appearing in a white coat, and Doherty, dressed in a black trouser suit and white blouse, were both released on unconditional bail. The case has been adjourned and is now scheduled to be heard at Leicester Crown Court on June 8th, allowing for a more comprehensive legal process and the presentation of evidence.
The alleged offenses are believed to have occurred throughout 2023 and into 2024, spanning a period where the pair were actively employed within the Derbyshire Police control room. The investigation that led to these charges was initiated following conduct referrals made by Derbyshire Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in December 2023 and again in March 2024, highlighting the seriousness with which the force viewed the initial concerns.
The investigation itself was conducted by Derbyshire Police’s dedicated counter corruption unit, but crucially, it was carried out under the direct oversight and control of the IOPC, the independent body responsible for investigating complaints against the police. This independent oversight is vital to ensure the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation. Following a detailed examination of the evidence gathered, the IOPC submitted a comprehensive file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on March 23rd of this year.
The CPS subsequently authorized the charges of misconduct in public office against both women. As a direct consequence of these charges, both Fitzhugh and Doherty have been suspended from their roles within Derbyshire Police, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed that the evidence presented to the CPS was sufficient to warrant the charges, emphasizing the gravity of the alleged offenses.
The case underscores the importance of robust security protocols within police forces and the need for stringent vetting procedures to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of law enforcement operations. The potential ramifications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially impacting public confidence in the police and raising questions about data security within sensitive institutions
Derbyshire Police Misconduct IOPC Criminal Investigation Data Breach
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