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Two police call handlers who misused their positions by obtaining and sharing confidential data with criminals have been sentenced to prison. Jessica Fitzhugh and Ellie-Mae Doherty, both aged 22, accessed personal information relating to their criminal partners while employed by Derbyshire Constabulary.
Fitzhugh, from Belper, pleaded guilty to unauthorized access to computer systems, whereas Doherty, from Ripley, admitted to a more serious charge of misconduct in public office after passing on sensitive information to her boyfriend. Following a two-day trial at Leicester Crown Court, Doherty received an 11-month prison sentence and Fitzhugh was sentenced to four months. The offences came to light after an investigation that led the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to send evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorized charges in late March. Both women had previously been suspended by Derbyshire Police.
During sentencing, Judge Timothy Spencer KC described the pair as “naive,” referring to them as “girlfriends of two undesirable young men.” He criticized their blatant disregard for the clear instructions and training provided by the police force. “Ellie-Mae Doherty went further because the information you accessed was clearly passed on in two distinct ways at two distinct times,” he added. Fitzhugh began working with Derbyshire Police in January 2023 at the age of 19, initially as a call handler and dispatcher. She later recommended Doherty, who started in September 2023. Both women underwent rigorous vetting and signed declarations confirming they had no links to individuals involved in criminal activity.
Prosecutor Helen Rodger revealed that both women were in relationships with men involved in crime, which should have been disclosed as “disclosable associations.” Doherty first accessed and shared information about an incident in December 2023, roughly two months after completing her training. This involved details about a fight in which a window was smashed, which she passed on to her partner, Robbie Braddock. A subsequent incident in March 2024 involved her accessing and sharing information about a search warrant while also checking detainees at Ripley custody suite. Fitzhugh, linked to a man with a criminal record, looked up details of incidents in spring 2024 out of what the judge described as “idle curiosity.”
The women, who had met while working at McDonald’s prior to joining the police, appeared in court accompanied by family members but sat apart in the dock. Judge Spencer expressed doubt over the future of their friendship and stated, “I have little doubt that it will haunt you for the rest of your days.” He also reflected on the contrast between the positive qualities described in character references and the offences committed. Defense counsel for Fitzhugh argued she lacked full awareness of the seriousness of her actions, while Doherty’s lawyer emphasized her remorse and efforts to give back to the community since the offences. The IOPC led the investigation into the conduct referrals starting in April. Emily Barry from the IOPC highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Call handlers are privy to sensitive information and have access to confidential data on police systems. It’s incumbent on them not to inappropriately disclose information and to only access material for policing purposes.” Barry also noted that both women are likely to be barred from working in policing again following misconduct proceedings
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