It's not often I 'disagree' with Tim but we do need to be clear that misusing information is not, as such, an offence or even, necessarily a DP breach. Obtaining it or disclosing it may be. The personal information in my head about all sorts of people that I have gathered over the years in numerous jobs is not 'recorded' and I am neither a data controller or processor in respect of it.
As others have said we do not have full facts but on the basis of the original story there is no suggestion the chappie obtained it w/o consent. He obtained it as part of his normal work. Nor is it clear that he disclosed anything - disclosures to the subject would not count. So - far from certain that he has breached DPA and neither will his employers , save under doubtful vicarious liability, if they have all appropriate policies, procedures and training in place.
Which is not to say he has done nothing wrong. There is clear misuse (but not in DPA sense) of information and breach of professional obligations and ethics etc. Most employers would have policies covering this and most I have worked for would properly have regarded this as gross misconduct and potentially grounds for dismissal - depending on the true facts.
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