Police Officer Abused Force Records to Pester Someone
Summary:
Paragraph three reads: "The 36-year-old, from Neath Road, Briton Ferry, logged on to the force's record database on numerous occasions between October 2008 and February this year to check on his partner during their relationship and after it ended some six months ago."
Paragraph 10 reads: "Magistrates were told by the solicitor that his client had 'gone off the rails' following the death of an associate in March 2008 and was now taking anti-depression medication."
Former South Wales Police officer abused force records to pester ex-lover
By sion morgan
A FORMER South Wales Police officer has appeared in court after abusing his position to obtain personal information about an ex-girlfriend.
Shane Bradley Rees pleaded guilty to eight charges relating to the Data Protection Act in Llanelli Magistrates' Court.
The 36-year-old, from Neath Road, Briton Ferry, logged on to the force's record database on numerous occasions between October 2008 and February this year to check on his partner during their relationship and after it ended some six months ago.
The court heard how the defendant's actions came to light on February 10 when the complainant, who was not named in court, was sat at home with her new boyfriend and received a text from Rees, despite having changed her number since ending their relationship.
Prosecuting, David Dennis said her previous criminal record as a minor and subsequent complaints made by her to police regarding other cases meant Rees could access his former lover's files which included up-to-date contact details.
Concern
"The last recorded offence on February 10 at Cockett police station in Swansea was of particular concern to police because by now the relationship had come to an end and he was still trying to contact her," Mr Dennis said.
"The record shows that he logged on to the computer system at 6.33pm and the complainant received a text just a minute later at 6.34pm."
In mitigation, John Nutman said his client had recently resigned from the force after seven years and a further six as a special constable.
"He loved being a police officer and was well thought of," Mr Nutman added.
Magistrates were told by the solicitor that his client had "gone off the rails" following the death of an associate in March 2008 and was now taking anti-depression medication.
"It was about curiosity," Mr Nutman said.
"He accepts that he abused his position and wishes to formally apologise to the complainant and South Wales Police."
The defendant was fined £100 for each of his eight charges and a further £80 costs, plus a £15 victim surcharge.