A Manchester entrepreneur has been cleared of computer hacking after a private prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Craig Cornick, who runs several companies in the legal and financial services sectors, was found not guilty by a unanimous jury at Bolton Crown Court of conspiring to access computer systems without authority.
The allegations related to historic incidents said to have taken place between 2014 and 2017 at a previous business, and centred on claims that customers’ contact data had been accessed without their consent. The case faced repeated delays before concluding this week.
In a statement, Mr Cornick said: “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.”
While expressing respect for the role of the ICO in protecting personal data, he strongly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. “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,” he added. “They are built on professionalism and trust, and this result changes none of that.”
Despite the hacking acquittal, Mr Cornick was found guilty on a lesser charge of unlawfully obtaining personal data, with a 10-person jury returning a majority verdict. His legal team have confirmed that an appeal is being prepared. The offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine.
Richard Wormald KC, part of Mr Cornick’s legal team, 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, Head of Corporate and Financial Crime at Cartwright King Solicitors, welcomed the not guilty verdict on the more serious charge and noted that no evidence was presented showing that Mr Cornick or his companies had received or used stolen data.
Cornick stated: “I have managed all my business ventures with integrity, and this was made clear throughout the case. I plan to clear my name and protect the reputation of my companies and our hard-working staff.”
His companies, which continue to partner with major law firms and insurers, have consistently passed regulatory audits with no compliance issues or sanctions reported.
Cornick concluded: “We’re proud of our record and will continue building ethical, compliant businesses that deliver measurable success.”
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Manchester businessman cleared of hacking charges in ICO case