Police call handler jailed for leaking information

A Lincolnshire Police call handler who admitted passing on information to a suspect has been jailed for six months.

Stuart Wells, 31, who worked at the force's headquarters, pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in public office.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Wells answered a call in October 2023 from a woman who was reporting a party where she suspected drugs were being used.

The caller gave the name of a woman who she believed was dealing drugs. That person was known to Wells, and he texted her to warn her about the call.

A short time later, a second handler received a call from the complainant telling them she had been threatened by the woman she had named in her first call.

The court was told Wells approached his manager and told them what he had done at about the same time the second call was received by the control room.

In an impact statement, the victim said the incident had left her worried and extra vigilant, and she made extra checks on her CCTV.

Terry Boston, for Wells, said his client was under stress at the time due to a number of family bereavements.

"It was an absolutely stupid thing to do," Mr Boston told the court.

"Despite his no-comment interview, he went to his control room inspector and made admissions straight away.

"It hasn't been done for malice or personal gain. It was to get his friend away from the scene."

The court heard that Wells, of Westfield Drive, North Greetwell, had lost his job with the police and was working as a postman.

Judge Simon Hirst told Wells his actions had a significant impact on his victim.

"Members of the public must be able to ring the police and provide information," the judge said.

"Your actions may deter them. That is why this is so serious."

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