A police force faces a fine from the information commissioner and compensation claims from thousands of motorists after an officer stole accident victims’ details from a police computer and sold them on to personal injury solicitors.
Sugra Hanif, a constable with Thames Valley police, was jailed for three and a half years on Wednesday for conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. She and her co-conspirator, Raza Khan, who was jailed for three years, earned up to £800 for each referral.
Winchester crown court was told the force could be fined up to £500,000 by the information commissioner for what was described as an unprecedented breach, and that as many as 5,000 people could seek compensation.
The force said Hanif, 27, had been dismissed. Detective Chief Superintendent Tim De Meyer, head of professional standards, said: “This was a serious case of corruption and it is right that she was dismissed from the force. The thorough investigation of her crime shows how seriously Thames Valley police takes these matters.”
Prosecuting, Peter Asteris said Hanif would access the force’s command and control computer and the personal details of people involved in road accidents. She would note the unique reference number (URN) each incident was given.
Using the name Sarah Gold, Hanif would ring victims, tell them she was from a company called SR Auto Repairs and encourage them to claim compensation.
full story via Thames Valley police face fine for officers’ £800-a-head claims scam | UK news | theguardian.com.
