Police Misconduct in Lancashire

In October 2021, a troubling incident of police misconduct came to light in Barrowford, Lancashire, when police officer Cameron Hanson and his wife, Kirstie Hanson, a police civilian worker, improperly shared sensitive crime scene footage. The footage depicted the murder scene of James O'Hara.

Prosecutors detailed the misconduct before the Manchester Crown Court, noting Cameron Hanson's breach of privacy and distribution of footage using his personal phone. Kirstie Hanson further shared this footage among colleagues, which Charlotte Riley and others viewed.

The investigation also uncovered earlier incidents. In February 2021, Hanson indiscreetly shared details of a potential murder with his wife, displaying a pattern of disregard for protocol and victims' dignity.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC, addressing the defendants — Cameron Hanson, Kirstie Hanson, and Charlotte Riley — condemned the actions for lacking compassion and decency.

Cameron Hanson faced jail time, while Kirstie Hanson and Riley also received sentences. Each expressed remorse in court, with Kirstie Hanson pursuing law and ethics studies as part of her rehabilitation.

Lancashire Police affirmed their commitment to integrity and condemned the actions of the three individuals, echoing concerns over the misuse of authority and mishandling of sensitive information.