No fine for files breach

A POLICE officer who illegally accessed confidential records, including those belonging to netball star Laura Geitz, has had his fine replaced with a good behaviour bond.

Broadbeach Sergeant Stephen Patrick Wright pleaded guilty in May to illegally accessing about 80 files.

At the time he was fined $4000 but yesterday that sentence was reduced to a twoyear good behaviour bond.

Wright’s lawyer Calvin Gnech argued more weight should have been given to the severe mental health issues Wright had been dealing with.

Wright has since been medically retired from the police service.

It is understood Wright may never work again due to complications from posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Southport District Court heard Wright had begun accessing the records of people he knew about 15 years ago because it helped him remember better times.

Wright had also accessed the records of a man who attacked his wife and of other police officers.