Former officer admits sharing photos and videos of incidents and investigations
42-year-old Lewis Wood admitted to sharing content from incidents between December 2018 and August 2020 - including photos of a man who had died
A former officer is to be sentenced next year after sharing photos and videos of incidents and investigations he attended.
The 42-year-old from Bridgwater admitted to the offences relating to cases between December 2018 and August 2020 - which included sharing photos from a man who'd died.
Lewis Wood's case has been called 'hugely distressing for the victims' - and the force say despite leaving the force in 2021, there is 'no doubt' public confidence has been eroded.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of misconduct in a public office.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “This has been a hugely distressing case for the victims and I am sorry for what they have been put through.
“Lewis Wood’s decision to wilfully share sensitive images and videos to friends and family violated the trust members of the public put in him and us. His actions not only fell significantly below the standards we expect of officers but were criminal.
“There can be no doubt public confidence in policing has been eroded by his conduct, even though he has no active role in policing anymore.
“Once his actions came to light, a thorough investigation was carried out by our Counter Corruption Unit and we’ve worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout to build a strong case and to achieve these guilty pleas at Exeter Crown Court today (Friday 1 December).”
Wood, from Bridgwater, will be sentenced at the same court on Friday 9 February.