A PSNI officer facing charges of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data on two sets of occasions, dating back 10 and 15 years respectively, has failed to appear in court for a contested hearing.
Neil McDonald (38) whose address was given as PSNI Headquarters at Knock Road in Belfast is accused knowingly or recklessly without the consent of the data controller, obtained or disclosed personal data on January 20, 2009.
It is further alleged this offence was repeated on October 13, 2014.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case said the charges could be connected.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing before Newry Magistrates’ Court and it is not known if the charges are in any way linked.
A defence barrister entered not guilty pleas to both charges on McDonald’s behalf and the case was adjourned for hearing as a contest.
However, while this was scheduled for the most recent court sitting, the original barrister advised there had been a breakdown in communication with McDonald and it is understood he has since instructed new lawyers.
District Judge Eamonn King released the original barrister and solicitor from the case before having McDonald formally called.
A court official confirmed he was not in attendance, nor was any new legal representative acting on his behalf.
Judge King noted the contest should have been ready to get underway and noted it was very last minute to adjourn, especially as McDonald had not attended in person to explain the position.
He ruled McDonald must appear on September 9 or “further action will be taken.”
When asked to clarify McDonald’s current employment status a spokesperson replied: “This individual is currently suspended by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
