A LOCAL police officer has been found to be in breach of the Data Protection Act after a dispute between neighbours, it emerged this week.

But John Gribben, of Ardrossan, will not be prosecuted in court after it was found he had unlawfully accessed information using police computer systems.

The 44-year-old had been reported to the authorities following a six-month long dispute with a neighbour in South Beach Road. The Crown Office confirmed the complaint had been upheld.

They said: “The Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division of COPFS received a report in relation to a 44-year-old man, in connection with a number of incidents alleged to have occurred between 18 March and 13 September 2013.” However they added that Mr Gribben would not be prosecuted.

The statement said: “After full and careful consideration of all facts and circumstances the case was dealt with by way of an offer of an alternative to prosecution (Direct Measure) to the accused.” There are a wide range of Direct Measures which could be taken and these include: A warning; Social Work and other Diversion Schemes; a Fiscal fine of up to £300; a compensation order of up to £5,000 or a work order of up to 50 hours.

This development came after the neighbour at the centre of the complaint, Robert Dickie, was found guilty of harrassing James Gribben and his family at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on September 11.

Police Scotland said they couldn’t comment on the issue as it was a matter for the Crown Office. The Crown Office were unable to specify which punishment Mr Gribben would receive.

Mr Gribbin was unavailable for comment when the Herald called at his home today, Wednesday.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.