Ex-Police Officers Jailed for Sharing Murder Scene Footage

A former constable, Cameron Hanson, and his wife, Kirstie Hanson, were sentenced to jail terms for sharing crime scene footage from a murder inquiry. Cameron Lee Hanson, 33, served with Lancashire Constabulary and discovered the body of James O’Hara, 45, in October 2021. He filmed the scene on his body-worn camera and later shared the footage, along with audio messages, with his wife, Kirstie Hanson, who was a civilian police worker.

The Manchester Crown Court sentenced Cameron Hanson to 32 months and Kirstie Hanson to 18 months for misconduct in public office.

Additionally, Kirstie Hanson shared the footage with colleague Charlotte Riley, who also admitted to misconduct. Riley received a 12-month suspended sentence. Both Hansons admitted unauthorized computer access.

The court revealed other incidents of misconduct by Cameron Hanson, including sharing images of another deceased individual and mocking vulnerable members of the public. The case has raised significant concerns about the culture within Lancashire Police, leading to the resignation of all three individuals involved.

Teacher Sentenced for Murdering and Burying Partner

Fiona Beal, 50, a primary school teacher, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for the murder of her partner, Nicholas Billingham, 42. Billingham’s body was found buried in the garden of their home in Northampton, four-and-a-half months after his disappearance on November 1, 2021.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC handed down the sentence at the Old Bailey. Beal had admitted to the crime during a retrial. Her actions post-murder included deceiving Billingham’s family and friends about his whereabouts and attempting to carry on with her life as usual.

The murder was described as a “carefully planned domestic execution,” with Beal attacking Billingham, concealing the body, and falsely communicating from Billingham’s phone. After her arrest in March 2022, her journals were discovered, which contained confessions and detailed her mental health struggles.

Detective Sergeant Spencer Bailey and prosecutor Hugh Davies KC condemned her actions, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime. The trial exhibited Beal’s manipulation and the impact on Billingham’s family.