A Waterloo Regional Police officer who shared confidential information with an acquaintance was given seven days to either hand in his badge or be fired – but instead plans to appeal the verdict and continue to receive his salary.

Const. Craig Markham was found guilty of breach of trust in a criminal court in 2012.

In 2011, while working the front desk at Central Division in Kitchener, an acquaintance texted him to say that her boyfriend was in custody.

Markham then used a police computer terminal to access information about the boyfriend’s arrest, and spoke to the man, who was suspected of having ties to the Hells Angels.

He also took confidential information from the computer and copied it into an email he sent to a different acquaintance.

Following the criminal proceeding, Markham’s case made its way through a Police Act hearing.

Under that statute, he was charged with breach of confidence, discreditable conduct and insubordination – the last charge because he refused to speak with investigators.

The Police Act proceeding came to an end Friday, when a dismissal sentence was handed down.

Markham, who has been suspended with pay since the incident came to light, was given a choice between resigning and being fired from the police service.

His lawyer, Pamela Machado, says Markham will take a third option.

“We’re disappointed with the outcome to say the least,” she tells CTV News.

Machado says Markham will appeal the verdict to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.

If he appeals within seven days, Friday’s decision will be stayed – meaning Markham will remain in limbo, suspended from WRPS with pay – until the appeal is heard.

“Across the board in similar cases, the penalties have not been dismissal,” Machado says.

“One mistake does not nullify your entire career.”

Staff Sgt. Shaena Morris says the police service is “satisfied” with Friday’s verdict.

“Const. Markham’s actions were not reflective of the core values of this organization,” she says.

Machado argues a more appropriate penalty would be for her client to be demoted from a first-class constable to a fourth-class constable.

Since his suspension began in February 2012, Markham has earned $164,830.