DETECTIVES have welcomed the jail sentences handed to Wiltshire CCTV workers Sherry Bray and Christopher Ashford, who watched the autopsy of footballer Emiliano Sala.

The pair worked for a Chippenham CCTV firm that held the out-of-hours contract for the Bournemouth mortuary where the body of Cardiff City ace Mr Sala was taken after he died in a plane accident in January. 

READ MORE: CCTV firm manager who viewed Emiliano Sala's post-mortem is jailed at Swindon Crown Court

READ MORE: Bray 'opened Pandora's Box' by watching Sala CCTV, court hears

Bray, 49, was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment. Ashford, 62, was jailed for five months. 

Reacting to the case, Det Insp Gemma Vinton of 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 position of responsibility need to ensure they act to the highest moral standards, as well as to have 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.”