An Alberta RCMP officer previously disciplined for botching an investigation into the discovery of Lyle and Marie McCann's burned motorhome has been disciplined for a third time.

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  Vader trial witness an Alberta Mountie with troubled career

Const. Liam MacNeil, who joined the force in 2009, was first disciplined for mistakes he made in July 2010  after the St. Albert couple's motorhome was found burning in a campground near Minnow Lake.

MacNeil returned to frontline duty in Edson after what was termed an administrative leave.

But he got into trouble again in October of the same year over improperly handling exhibits and failing to fully investigate a hit-and-run.

In July 2011, MacNeil was charged with two counts of disgraceful conduct. He was served with a notice of a disciplinary hearing. Eight months later there was a recommendation for his discharge, but he went on medical leave.

The disciplinary hearing was eventually held in July 2013. MacNeil pleaded guilty to two counts of neglect of duty by consent and was docked five days' pay. A letter of severe reprimand was put in his file and he had to sign an undated voluntary resignation form in order to remain a Mountie.

In 2014, MacNeil got into trouble a third time when he agreed to help a Hinton mother track down her adult son and used police databases to obtain information.

He was accused of sharing some of that restricted, privileged information with the woman, in violation of RCMP protocol.

MacNeil initially faced three counts of discreditable conduct. One count was later withdrawn and the other two were amended.

One was amended to reflect a contravention of the RCMP code of conduct for failing to completely and accurately document an investigation. The other was amended to a contravention of the RCMP code of conduct for improperly accessing and disclosing information.

MacNeil admitted to both of the amended allegations.

At the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing Friday into the 2014 incident, MacNeil was docked 11 days' pay but allowed to return to active duty.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this occurrence and my actions have caused," MacNeil told the hearing.

"I am a very proud Mountie and I'm very much looking forward to returning to active duty as an RCMP officer."  

He will be moved from his current posting at Hinton and reassigned to another detachment.

Last month, Travis Vader was found guilty of manslaughter in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann, whose bodies have not been found.

• ■McCann family pleased with Travis Vader manslaughter convictions