Former police officer accused of sharing images of dead body

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

A former police officer has been charged after images of a deceased male were allegedly shared on WhatsApp.

Lewis Wood, of Bridgwater, Somerset, is charged with three counts of misconduct in public office in relation to alleged wilful sharing of policing material between December 2018 and August 2020.

The former Avon and Somerset Police officer is no longer employed by any police services.

The 42-year-old will appear before Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: "The charges relate to the alleged distribution of images and videos on WhatsApp to family and friends by a now-former officer while he served for Avon and Somerset Police.

"They encompass several incidents or investigations and one of the charges relates to the alleged sharing of images of a deceased male."

At the time of the alleged offences, Mr Wood was based in Somerset.

'Hurt and pain'

Avon and Somerset Police said his employment with the force ended in 2021.

ACC Hall continued: "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 Crown Prosecution Service 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.

"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."

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