Shock as Ex-Traffic Officer Guilty of Sharing Gruesome Rail Death Photo
Joshua Tilt, 31, from Bartley Green, has admitted misconduct in public office at Birmingham Crown Court. The former British Transport Police staff member faces sentencing on 14 December.
Disturbing Image Shared with Girlfriend and Group Chat
On 21 June 2022, Tilt snapped a highly sensitive photo on his mobile. It showed a scene from a railway fatality, originally sent by email for a coroner’s investigation. Tilt then boasted to a colleague that he had sent the image to his girlfriend.
A fellow staff member, alarmed by Tilt’s blatant disregard, reported him to the BTP’s Professional Standards Department on 28 June. The force launched an immediate investigation.
Arrest and Dismissal Follow Swift Investigation
Tilt was arrested on 30 June. Under questioning, he admitted also sharing the shocking photo in a group chat of 12 people. He attempted to resign, but BTP refused and fired him without notice two weeks later on 14 July.
BTP Deputy Chief Constable Condemns “Sickening” Actions
“The actions of Joshua Tilt have shocked each of us at BTP to the core,” said Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland. “We support families through their darkest days with care, compassion, and respect. His behaviour intensified the suffering of a grieving family and is completely incompatible with what’s expected of a police officer.” “Our Chief Constable personally visited the affected family to apologise unreservedly. As soon as Tilt’s conduct was reported, we acted fast—arresting, investigating, and ultimately convicting him for misconduct in public office.” “This case in no way reflects the dedication of the thousands of BTP officers and staff who serve the public every day with professionalism. To the family of Lewis Williams, we are truly sorry this happened.”
