UK Firefighter Jailed for Sharing Photos of Crash Victim

Oct. 7, 2024
West Midlands Firefighter Cameron Hancel made comments about the photos he posted on social media.

A West Midlands firefighter who took photos of a man killed in a vehicle crash and shared them on social media has been sentenced to jail.

Cameron Hancel, who pleaded guilty in August to misconduct in public office, was sentenced to 20 months behind bars. 

The court heard that Hancel sent the images via WhatsApp alongside an "offensive and mocking commentary," according to BBC

Passing sentence, Judge Michael Chambers KC told Hancel: "Members of the public expect to be able to place their trust in members of the emergency services."

He described the victim as "clearly much-loved and respected by his family and his many friends."

Senior Crown Prosecutor Georgina Davies said: "Cameron Hancel's actions were a clear betrayal of the trust placed in him as a public servant.As a firefighter, he was employed to protect the public, not to exploit the tragic loss of life."

She added that he incident had "caused further anguish to the deceased's family who are still mourning their unimaginable loss. I hope that today's proceedings provide some measure of justice and closure during this difficult time."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.