A member of police staff has pleaded guilty to an offence of misconduct in public office

An investigation was started when it was revealed a call taker who worked in the Force Control Room had passed on information about possible drug use at an event.

Stuart Wells, 31, worked as a call taker in the Force Control Room for Lincolnshire Police when on 14 October 23 he took a call from a member of the public reporting possible drug use at an event.  The name of a suspected drug dealer was passed by the caller to Wells.

The court heard that Wells knew the potential drug dealer and went on to send them a message informing them a complaint had been called in.

Wells was arrested and summoned to court for an offence of Misconduct in Public Office in November 24.  He pleaded guilty today at a pretrial hearing and was sentenced to 6 months in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.  Wells left the organisation in April 24.

Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “Unfortunately this one case has the ability to undermine the good work we see our teams doing every day to protect the public. 

“Allegations are taken very seriously and when the actions of Wells came to light swift action was taken to deal with what is a very serious matter.  He was immediately suspended from his role.

“Our staff will always be held accountable for their actions and I want to be really clear there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our force. We are here to protect our communities and this includes their information. The actions of Wells falls far below the standard expected."