CPS paralegal sentenced after secretly accessing case file for boyfriend’s benefit

Paralegal accessed CPS case file and shared confidential information with her then-boyfriend

A former Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) paralegal has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting she accessed a criminal case file without permission and shared confidential information with her then-boyfriend. Kiera Greenslade, 27, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following her guilty plea to misconduct in public office.

Greenslade worked as a paralegal officer for CPS Thames and Chiltern at the time of the incident in 2021. Her boyfriend was then suspected of a serious criminal offence and was later convicted. The court heard that she used the CPS internal database to search for his police national computer record and subsequently sent him a photograph of the information.

Messages recovered during the investigation showed that Greenslade told her boyfriend she had searched through “hundreds of cases in north London” to find out whether he appeared in any remand court listings. Later, she accessed a specific case file and sent him a screenshot containing details related to the police investigation. She obtained the information directly from the CPS secure case management system.

The CPS makes it clear to all users that access to case files is permitted only for legitimate business purposes. Staff are also informed that taking screenshots or screen recordings from the system is strictly prohibited. The case management system includes repeated warnings about the confidentiality of case information and the need for strict compliance with access rules.

Greenslade’s actions were discovered after internal checks identified irregular activity on the system. Once the breach was confirmed, the matter was referred for investigation, which led to criminal charges. She admitted the offence of misconduct in public office.

Appearing for sentencing, Greenslade accepted responsibility for her actions. The court imposed a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. As part of the sentence, she must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Her conduct represented a serious breach of trust, given her position within the CPS and her access to sensitive information connected to ongoing criminal proceedings. The case further highlighted the potential risks posed when employees misuse secure systems designed to protect the integrity of investigations and the privacy of those involved.

The CPS has repeatedly emphasised the importance of safeguarding its digital systems, which contain confidential case material accessible only to authorised personnel. The organisation requires employees to complete training on information handling, data protection and operational security. It also carries out routine audits to detect unauthorised access.

Following the sentencing, the CPS reiterated that staff must comply with the highest professional standards and that any breach of confidentiality will result in firm action. The case underlines the consequences of improper access to secure information, particularly in circumstances where personal relationships compromise an individual’s professional duties.

Greenslade, of Luton, Bedfordshire, now faces the suspended custodial term and the mandatory rehabilitation requirement imposed by the court.