Former Firefighter Jailed for Misconduct

Cameron Hancel, a 34-year-old former firefighter, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for misconduct in a public office after taking and sharing graphic photos of a deceased car crash victim. Hancel, who was dispatched to a fatal accident in Himley on March 13, 2023, mocked the victim, 38-year-old Kevin Doughty, in WhatsApp messages sent to friends, referring to him in derogatory terms and making light of the incident. His actions, which included sending images showing the victim's body, caused additional distress to Doughty's grieving family, as noted by Judge Michael Chambers KC during sentencing. Hancel was dismissed from West Midlands Fire Service following the incident and initially denied the allegations before ultimately pleading guilty. The case was uncovered when the images were found on a friend's phone during a police inquiry into another death. Prosecutors emphasized that Hancel's behavior represented a significant breach of trust placed in emergency services personnel.