Former Police Officer Sentenced for Unauthorized Disclosure of Sensitive Information

PC Molly Bury accessed police computer systems unlawfully and shared sensitive details about investigations with family members.

A former police officer has received a suspended sentence after unlawfully accessing police computer systems and sharing sensitive information related to ongoing investigations with family members.

In March 2023, Lancashire Police reported an instance of potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information concerning the Nicola Bulley investigation, which captured significant public attention after Bulley, 45, went missing in St Michael's on Wyre in January 2023. Her body was later discovered in the River Wyre, a mile from where she was last seen.

PC Molly Bury, 28, was implicated in the case after her mother was reportedly overheard at an event in Burnley stating that "Molly checked the police system." Subsequent investigations revealed that Bury had accessed police records between 31 October 2019 and 8 May 2023, including during her rest days and periods of sick leave.

Law enforcement officials executed a warrant at a property in Oswaldtwistle in December 2023, seizing electronic devices that corroborated the unauthorized access.

Bury admitted to 32 counts of offences under the Computer Misuse Act and received a six-month suspended sentence from Chester Magistrates' Court.

During the investigation, it was also disclosed that Bury divulged information regarding other serious cases, including a rape and a murder, to her mother.

Throughout the investigation, Bury was placed under arrest and was subsequently summoned to court.

While under investigation, she resigned from her position as a police officer.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing held last year, a case of gross misconduct was proven against her, leading to a determination that she would have been dismissed had she not already resigned.

Following the misconduct proceedings, Bury was placed on the police barred list, preventing her from serving in any police capacity in the future.

Det Ch Insp Pete Reil commented on the situation, stating, "The public trust the police with their data, particularly when they or their loved ones have been victims of crime.

They expect officers and police staff to act responsibly and sensitively with it.

Molly Bury's behaviour fell way below what the constabulary expects and what the public would expect of a serving police officer."