A senior detective from the North Wales Police is facing the possibility of jail time after being found guilty of unlawfully accessing police records related to a male friend and three women. Detective Inspector Emma Gardner, aged 46, was convicted at Caernarfon Crown Court for unauthorized access to computer data in 2022, despite denying the charges.
During the trial, Judge Timothy Petts cautioned Gardner about the seriousness of the offense, emphasizing that while imprisonment was not the sole recourse, it would be a significant consideration during her sentencing in September. The court proceedings revealed that Gardner, a veteran officer who had served in various capacities, including the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit since joining the North Wales Police in 2000, had looked into police logs concerning a close male acquaintance.
Prosecutor Andrew Scott disclosed that Gardner had reviewed logs pertaining to minor issues and rumors involving the man, who had previously been employed as a bouncer while Gardner was stationed in Rhyl as a uniformed officer. Despite her statement that each access was for legitimate policing purposes, Gardner’s actions were brought into question.
Following the verdict, Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison stated, “We respect the jury’s decision. The officer was suspended during the legal proceedings, and now we will proceed with disciplinary actions following the outcome.”
Detective Inspector Gardner is scheduled for sentencing early in September.