Former Avon & Somerset Police officer charged with misconduct in public office
Lewis Wood from Bridgwater is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court
A former Avon and Somerset Police officer who allegedly shared details of several investigations to friends and family on WhatsApp, has been charged with misconduct in public office.
Lewis Wood (42) from Bridgwater faces three counts of the charge, in connection with alleged incidents between 2018 and 2020; he left the force in 2021.
The 42-year-old is no longer employed by Avon and Somerset Police, nor any other police service and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday 24 October.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “We’d like to reassure the public that since these allegations came to light, we have conducted a thorough investigation, culminating in a case file being presented to the CPS and these serious charges being brought.
“A referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct at the outset, who adjudged it was suitable for local investigation by our Counter Corruption Unit."
Greatest Hits Radio understands the photos and videos Wood is accused of sharing include images of a deceased man.
“We are ensuring all those affected by these allegations are updated and we’ll be supporting them as we recognise the news is likely to cause an immense amount of hurt and pain," ACC Hall said.