Former Somerset police officer in court after dead body images shared

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Lewis Wood was based in Somerset until his employment with Avon and Somerset Police ended

A former police officer has appeared in court after images of a dead body were allegedly shared on WhatsApp.

Lewis Wood, 42, of Bridgwater, Somerset, is charged with three counts of misconduct in public office after allegedly sharing policing material between December 2018 and August 2020.

It is alleged he recorded footage onto his phone and shared it with friends.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and will appear at Exeter Crown Court in November.

Mr Wood appeared on video link at Bristol Magistrates' Court and has been granted conditional bail.

It is alleged the former officer of Avon and Somerset Police gained access to the force's computer seven times, and recorded footage to his personal phone.

The prosecution also said Mr Wood recorded and shared footage of an arrest, his witness statement and of a dead male.

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