Detective Inspector Emma Gardner, 46, has been warned she could face jail after a jury found her guilty of illegally accessing police logs relating to a close male friend and three women. The conviction at Caernarfon Crown Court followed her denial of unauthorised access to computer material during 2022.
Judge Warns of Custodial Sentence
Judge Timothy Petts told Gardner the offence was treated seriously, warning that while custody was not the only option, it was “going to be uppermost in my mind” when she is sentenced in September, as reported by North Wales Live. Gardner, who joined North Wales Police in 2000 and served in roles including the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, accessed logs involving a man she knew from her time as a uniformed officer in Rhyl.
Details of the Offence
Prosecutor Andrew Scott said the detective accessed logs concerning “a relatively minor complaint” and “tittle-tattle” involving the man, who had previously worked as a bouncer. In one message, she declared: “I have my uses.” Gardner insisted she had not viewed the logs because of her relationship with him, stating in evidence: “I believe every access was for a policing purpose.”
Police Response and Misconduct Proceedings
Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said: “We acknowledge the decision of the jury. The officer has been suspended whilst the criminal case was ongoing, and we will now progress with misconduct proceedings following today’s verdict.” Gardner will be sentenced in early September.
