Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
A UK firefighter has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for taking and sharing photos of the body of a man killed in a car crash. Cameron Hancel took the photos in March, 2023 while working for the West Midlands Fire Service.
Hancel, 34, was terminated by West Midlands and later charged criminally with misconduct in public office. He pled guilty in August and was sentenced by the Wolverhampton Crown Court on October 4, 2024.
According to the BBC, Hancel took the photos at a two-car crash in Himley, Staffordshire using his cellphone. He shared the photos via WhatsApp, along with “offensive and mocking commentary.” Hancel, a three year veteran of the department, initially claimed other firefighters were responsible for the messages, but later admitted to his involvement.
The Crown’s prosecutor, Georgina Davies, was quoted as saying:
- 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.
- [He] 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.
Judge Michael Chambers ordered Hancel to serve 20 months in prison, saying:
- Members of the public expect to be able to place their trust in members of the emergency services.
