Former Humberside computer user Kate Elston sent top-secret information to a member of the public after taking a photo of a confidential information sheet on a computer in August 2020. A court heard that Elston had shared further information with the same person on several occasions between February 2019 and September 2020. The officer was jailed for six months, with a two-year suspension, in Leeds Crown Court this morning (Friday) after a lengthy investigation by the Independent Police Behavior Office (IOPC). It was also heard in court how the Grimsby-based computer was excluded from the police list for the offense. Read more: Cyclist seriously injured in car crash that closed Peaks Parkway for hours The search for Elston began in September 2020, a month after the photo was posted on WhatsApp, and he was arrested at the Grimsby Police Department on October 5, 2020, on suspicion of corrupt or inappropriate police misconduct. In examining Elston’s case, the IOPC later uncovered other cases where she shared confidential information, including emails and photos from crime scenes she had attended. The police officer later agreed with Humberside that the evidence against Elston’s case was enough to refer him to the Crown Prosecution Service and he later appeared in Grimsby Court in February this year. The force described its misconduct as a “worrying case” involving “top-secret information”. Detective Superintendent Matt Baldwin, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, said: “Violations of this kind are always taken very seriously, as the impact they can have on investigations can be significant. We expect the highest degree of professionalism and integrity among our officers and staff and anyone found to be in breach of this will be dealt with. “ PC Elston Arrested at Grimsby Police Station (Image: Grimsby Telegraph) Meanwhile, Steve Noonan, IOPC Director of Senior Research, said her behavior was “outrageous, corrupt and criminal.” “Disclosing confidential information without reasonable justification or justification can significantly damage the trust and confidence that members of the public have in the police,” he said. “Her actions were a complete betrayal of the public’s trust and have no place in policing. The evidence we have seen shows that this is an isolated case of police corruption, but the result sends a clear message to any officer who behaves in this way. serious consequences and will be held accountable “. “The forces have a key role to play in addressing issues like this and I would like to thank the Humberside police team for their professionalism and thorough investigation that ultimately led to today’s conviction.” In addition to the criminal charge, Elston was heard for misconduct by the force, but resigned before the hearing in November last year. The hearing concluded that she would have been fired independently, and she was removed from the police list. In addition to the suspension of the sentence on Friday, Elston was ordered by the court to perform 200 hours of unpaid work. READ NEXT: Read more related articles Read more related articles
