Emiliano Sala: Two people to appear in court over photo of Cardiff City footballer in mortuary

Sherry Bray and Christopher Ashford will face computer misuse charges

Emiliano Sala (Getty)

Two people will face charges in connected with an investigation into the publication of a photograph showing the late Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala in a mortuary.

Sherry Bray, 48, and Christopher Ashford, 62, have been summoned to court after an image was circulated on social media which showed the Argentinian player’s remains at the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old striker was killed in January after a private plane taking him from the French city of Nantes to Cardiff crashed into the English Channel.

Wiltshire Police said Ms Bray, of Corsham, has been summoned for three counts of computer misuse, perverting the course of justice and sending an indecent/offensive message.

Mr Ashford, of Calne, has been summoned in relation to six counts of computer misuse.

The pair, who were arrested in February, will appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court next month to face the charges.

Anthony Johns, senior lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Following a careful review of the evidence provided to me by Wiltshire Police, I have authorised the police to summons Sherry Bray to appear in court where she will be formally charged with three offences of computer misuse, perverting the course of public justice and sending an indecent/offensive message.

“I have also authorised Wiltshire Police to summons Christopher Ashford to appear in court where he will be formally charged with six offences of computer misuse.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial.”

Mr Sala had just signed for Cardiff City when he disappeared with the pilot of the Piper Malibu private plane after it crashed in the English Channel on 21 January.

His body was recovered on 6 February. The pilot David Ibbotson, 59, has not been located but is presumed dead.