A private investigator and crime author exploited his police background to ask a "copper mate" to track down a woman who didn't want to be found through the Victoria Police database.
Former undercover officer Damian Marrett was a private investigator in 2012 when he approached an ex-police colleague to search for the woman in the Victoria Police LEAP database.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard the police officer found information on the woman and passed it on to Marrett.
Marrett, 46, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to procuring a police officer to disclose confidential information.
Marrett made the request on behalf of another private investigator, who was helping a client track down his daughter.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The victim of the illegal tip-off later told police she did not want to be found by her father, claiming he had sexually abused her as a child.
Defence barrister Con Heliotis QC told the court Marrett had no malicious intent when he obtained the information.
Requesting a sentence without a conviction, Mr Heliotis said Marrett had served Victoria Police with distinction as an undercover officer.
Marrett infiltrated Nazi gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs during his seven-year stint undercover and had three contracts put out on his life, Mr Heliotis said.
"This man has given an enormous amount to this community," Mr Heliotis said.
"On his behalf we're now asking for something back."
Marrett has written three true crime novels based on his time as an undercover agent after leaving the force due to stress, the court heard.
Prosecutor David Gray said Marrett was originally offered money to get the woman's details from his "copper mate", but was never paid.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said the offending was serious but accepted Marrett did not offend with malicious intent.
"This has been an area of concern for the police force for decades," Mr Rozencwajg said.
"It's obviously and clearly improper."
He placed Marrett on a 12-month good behaviour bond and fined him $2000 without conviction.
