Cop Fined For Using Police Records Against Neighbour

Feb 24 2008 By Lynn Mcpherson

A POLICEMAN used secret computer records against a neighbour accused of murdering a toddler.

Thomas Firth, 55, who has now quit the force, had a long-running feud with Robert McHarg, 42, a neighbour who was awaiting trial for killing an ex-partner's son.

Firth, from East Kilbride, was fined £2250 at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week after admitting recklessly disclosing information.

Robert was charged with killing two-year-old Stuart Jackson in 2005 - seven years after the little boy's death at the home in Denny, Stirlingshire, which Robert shared with Mary McGuire, his then partner.

The case was found not proven last year.

Robert said that, as he awaited trial, he was the subject of a series of malicious phone calls to neighbours of his father-in-law.

Firth had tracked down William McWilliams, dad of Robert's wife Sharon, using the police computer.

In court, Colin Gillies, defending, said Firth's wife Elise had made the calls.

He said: "There is an ongoing neighbour dispute between the two families which could be the explanation why Mrs Firth made these phone calls.

"Mr Firth realises he was wrong to pass on the information to his wife.

"He has already suffered the consequences of his actions by being forced to resign from his job."

Firth refused to comment as he left court.

But Robert said: "I've never had a good relationship with Mr and Mrs Firth and now it is time for me and my wife to get our lives back to normal."