Ex-Leicestershire Special Constable Jailed for Snapping Manslaughter Victim’s Body and Sharing Sensitive Police Data
William Heggs, 23, was locked up for 12 months at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, 9 May 2025. The former Special Constable admitted to a shocking abuse of trust, snapping photos of a manslaughter victim’s body at a crime scene and sharing sensitive police information online. His crimes were uncovered after a careful probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Disturbing Crimes Uncovered
Between January and November 2021, Heggs used his personal mobile to secretly photograph body-worn police videos and confidential police slides.
- Gruesome shots of a crime scene with a dead body
- Images of suspects being arrested, restrained, or stop-searched
- Photos showing victims’ injuries
- Evidence showing crime suspects and police presentations
He later shared some of this private material on social media— including details of a traffic collision victim. Astonishingly, he admitted to a colleague that he fully knew what he was doing was wrong.
Cover-Up Attempts and Resignation
When police raided Heggs’ home, they found him moving the most damning image—a photo of the victim’s body—into a password-protected folder in a clear attempt to hide it.
Facing charges, Heggs eventually pleaded guilty to nine counts under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and two counts under the Data Protection Act 2018. A separate charge of misconduct in public office was dropped.
Heggs quit the force in October 2024 before disciplinary proceedings could start.
IOPC Slams Abuse of Trust
“Sharing confidential and sensitive police information in the way that he did was a clear abuse of the power and trust placed in him. His conviction sends a strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated,” said IOPC Director Derrick Campbell.
Heggs tried to justify his actions by citing neurodiversity issues and claimed he took the images to “process his feelings.” But the investigation found he fully understood the illegality of his conduct.
Next Steps for Leicestershire Police
The IOPC has recommended a gross misconduct hearing. It’s now up to Leicestershire Police to arrange the hearing, following the criminal case’s conclusion.
