Emiliano Sala: Man and woman face charges over mortuary photo

Tributes paid to Emiliano Sala [Courtesy]

Two people have received court summons in connection with a mortuary photo of Emiliano Sala.

The Cardiff City striker was killed on board a private jet that went missing travelling from Nantes to South Wales in January while the body of pilot Dave Ibbotson has not been found.

His remains were taken to the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth, Dorset before a post-mortem examination took place.

But a photo of Sala's body was reportedly posted online with police launching an investigation.

Wiltshire Police confirmed Sherry Bray and Christopher Ashford have been summoned to court in connection with the probe.

Bray, 48, of Corsham faces charges on three counts of computer misuse, perverting the course of justice and sending an indecent/offensive message.

Ashford, 62, of Calne has been summonsed in relation to six counts of computer misuse.

Both are due before Swindon Magistrates' Court on July 10.

The photo was posted just two days after Sala's father Horacia had a heart attack and died.

Crown Prosecution Service senior lawyer Anthony Johns 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.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Sala was being flown by private jet to join his new Premier League club on January 21 when it disappeared over the Channel.

His body was recovered 16 days later on February 6 after search teams finally found the wreckage of the Piper PA-46 Malibu light aircraft north of Guernsey.

An inquest on February 11 was told that the footballer had died from injuries to his head and upper body.