Ellie May Doherty

Ellie-Mae Doherty, a former Derbyshire Constabulary call handler, has been involved in public criminal proceedings in the UK. She, alongside co-defendant Jessica Fitzhugh, faced charges related to misconduct in public office and unlawfully accessing data.

Key facts and dates of the case include:

• Charges: Doherty, from Ripley, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office by unlawfully accessing data and failing to disclose her connections to "individuals involved in crime" to her employer. The charges relate to offenses committed during 2023 and 2024.
• Investigation: The charges followed an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after conduct referrals from Derbyshire Constabulary in December 2023 and March 2024. The force's Counter Corruption Unit carried out the investigation.
• Court Appearances: Doherty and Fitzhugh were scheduled to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on April 24, 2026. They subsequently appeared at Leicester Crown Court.
• Plea: On Friday, July 3, 2026, at Leicester Crown Court, Doherty pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. However, both women submitted their pleas on a "basis" that is yet to be reviewed by Crown Prosecution Service lawyers, meaning they may still face a Newton Hearing to determine the true account of events.
• Court Decisions/Sentencing: The case was adjourned to allow for pre-sentence reports to be compiled and for prosecutors to assess the need for a Newton Hearing. Sentencing is expected to be handed down by Judge Timothy Spencer KC on Friday, August 28, 2026. Judge Spencer has warned both women that they are in an "extremely serious position" and that a prison sentence is a possibility.