Former Officer Imprisoned for Sharing Sensitive Police Images

A former police officer has been sentenced to four years in prison for distributing sensitive information, including photographs of two unsuspicious deaths. Russell Hinkins, of Sperling Drive, Haverhill, Suffolk, received his sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday. Essex Police reported that Hinkins had disseminated numerous images and incident details to third parties without a “policing purpose to do so.” The 44-year-old was convicted after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office on 6 February and resigned from the force in March 2023. Hinkins also admitted to charges of securing unauthorised access to material and disclosing information without consent. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet stated: “Russell Hinkins has caused a great deal of anger and distress to those involved, and I want to apologise to them for his actions.” He further commented, “These were deliberate acts and not a case of an officer who just made a mistake.” Prophet concluded, “This was a long, complex and emotive case, and their work has ensured Hinkins is now behind bars.” Hinkins is expected to face an Essex Police misconduct process.