Patrick Edrich

Former Merseyside Police temporary sergeant Daniel Hughes, 40, was convicted by a jury of eight counts of unauthorized access to computer material and three counts of unlawfully disclosing personal data. Between 2016 and 2021, he repeatedly searched police databases for information on people linked to EncroChat-related drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering, while maintaining concealed social relationships with some of them. He also discussed fragments of police intelligence in WhatsApp conversations. The court found no evidence that he acted for financial gain or directly assisted the criminals, but Judge Alan Conrad KC said his persistent conduct undermined public confidence in police systems. Hughes was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation work, 250 hours of unpaid work and a £750 fine. He had already been dismissed by Merseyside Police following a misconduct hearing.