Full Breakdown
Derbyshire Call Handlers Sentenced for Misusing Police Data
9/4/2026, 2:14:49 PM
Background and Employment
Ellie-Mae Doherty and Jessica Fitzhugh, both 22, joined Derbyshire Constabulary as civilian call handlers in 2023 at age 19. Fitzhugh began in January 2023, later recommending Doherty for a similar role; Doherty started in September 2023. Both signed declarations stating they had no contacts “engaged in criminal activities” and were required to report any later connections to crime.
Timeline of Offences and Legal Proceedings
- December 3 (scheduled) – Doherty is alleged to have sent a text to her criminal boyfriend describing a street fight and, two months after completing training, accessed police data without a legitimate reason.
- December 2023 – The first documented breach: Doherty accessed details of a brawl and passed the information to her boyfriend, Robbie Braddock.
- March 6, 2024 – Doherty accessed information about a search warrant and relayed it to the same man; she also checked custody-suite records at Ripley.
- Spring 2024 – Fitzhugh accessed incidents involving her own criminal associate out of “idle curiosity.”
- September 2 – Both women appeared at Leicester Crown Court for a sentencing hearing where the judge warned them to expect jail.
- September 3 – The two-day hearing concluded; Doherty received an 11-month prison term and Fitzhugh a four-month term.
Court Findings and Sentences
He noted that Doherty’s conduct was more serious because the information was passed on on two distinct occasions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prosecutor Helen Rodger emphasized that both women had sexual relationships with men involved in crime and should have recognised these as “disclosable associations.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Miss Doherty attempted to tip him off. She was unsuccessful in doing so.” — Ms Rodger
- “Miss Doherty attempted to tip him off. She was unsuccessful in doing so... She was utterly reckless as to the consequences of her conduct.” — Prosecutor Helen Rodger
What Comes Next
Derbyshire Police will conduct internal misconduct hearings for Doherty and Fitzhugh, during which the force may decide to bar them from future policing roles. The Independent Office for Police Conduct will continue to monitor compliance with data-access protocols across UK forces.
