Staff at CCTV firm jailed for mortuary footage of footballer Emiliano Sala

Two members of staff at a CCTV operation firm who illegally accessed and photographed mortuary footage which showed the body of footballer Emiliano Sala have been jailed.

Sherry Bray, 49, of Charles Street, Corsham, was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to three counts of computer misuse and perverting the course of justice.

Christopher Ashford, 62, of Page Close, Calne, was sentenced to five months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to three counts of computer misuse.

The pair, who worked at a CCTV company in Chippenham, appeared at Swindon Crown Court today (23/9/19).

They both illegally accessed the CCTV footage of the post-mortem of Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala at a mortuary in Bournemouth.

Bray’s phone also revealed she had taken a picture of another body in the same mortuary; a man called Andrew Latcham who had died in non-suspicious circumstances in Dorset.

Detective Inspector Gemma Vinton, from Wiltshire Police’s Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, said: "We welcome today’s sentence and believe it reflects the gravity of the crimes and the great distress caused to the families involved.

"While both Bray and Ashford did plead guilty at the first Crown Court hearing, this case clearly shows that those in a position of responsibility need to ensure they act to the highest moral standards, as well as having a thorough understanding of the law.

"I also hope this case highlights the comprehensive approach we take to investigating digital and cyber crime.

"No sentence will undo the additional unnecessary distress and heartache caused to the Sala and Latcham families, who have remained at the forefront of our thoughts throughout the investigation. I hope that the families will now be able to focus on grieving for Emiliano and Andrew."

A statement from Richard Latcham, the son of Mr Latcham, has been released following today’s sentencing.

It says: "My father Andrew Latcham went missing from his flat in Blandford on 30 December 2017. His body was found on 19 April 2018 when he was taken to Holly Tree Lodge.

"The inquest into his death was on 5 November 2018 and concluded he took his own life. Andrew struggled with his mental health in the last few years of his life, but even in these struggles he was still able to deliver wit, insight and genuine compassion for other people.

"My dad was a lovely man and his family and friends all miss him very much. We ask for space and time to grieve. Dad, we remember you with positivity, fondness and great love."