Craig Cornick, a Manchester entrepreneur, was acquitted of computer hacking allegations after a private prosecution by the ICO at Bolton Crown Court. The charges were related to incidents between 2014 and 2017 regarding unauthorized access to customer data. Cornick expressed relief at the verdict, firmly rejecting any wrongdoing and stating that there was no evidence against him. However, he was found guilty of unlawfully obtaining personal data, leading to preparations for an appeal. His legal team criticized the prosecution's timing and lack of substantive evidence.
"I am relieved to have been cleared of some serious and damaging accusations. The claims of computer hacking were shown to be completely unfounded, with no evidence of criminal intent or harm."
"I was never subject to any searches of my personal or business properties, I was never interviewed, and my companies have never failed an audit."
Richard Wormald KC described the prosecution as 'unusual,' noting the passage of time since the alleged offences and the absence of any evidence that Mr Cornick or his businesses gained any benefit.
Laura Smith welcomed the not guilty verdict on the more serious charge and noted that no evidence was presented showing that Mr Cornick or his companies acted unlawfully.
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