A policewoman once honoured for bravery by David Cameron has quit her job in disgrace after she was caught passing on sensitive information about suspects to a wealthy businessman vowing revenge after a burglary. PC Claire Ford, 39, illegally disclosed details from the force computer to plant hire boss James Ashbrook following a break-in at his home and offered further help when he warned he would ''strangle'' the culprit who stole his Land Rover.
During an exchange of WhatsApp messages Ashbrook, 40, requested information on individuals he was targeting as well as asking Ford to “turn a blind eye” to any offence he may commit. In one she said: “Totally forgot about names I’ll sort tomoz! Sorry'' to which Ashbrook asked her not to tell anyone what he might do next adding: ''On way to strangle him. Do you know of him? Or any associates? Or addresses they might use please? Thank you xxx”.
Police found the messages after they arrested Ashbrook on suspicion of making threats to kill. It emerged Ford, from Congleton, Cheshire, had provided details about suspects and their criminal records to Ashbrook and on a different occasion looked up arrest information about her brother-in-law who had been detained over unrelated matters. No one was harmed as a result of the illicit disclosures.
