A Manchester-based entrepreneur has been acquitted of a serious computer hacking charge, following a protracted legal battle led by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Craig Cornick, who manages a portfolio of companies in the legal and financial services sectors, was accused of conspiring to gain unauthorised access to computer systems in order to obtain customer contact details without consent. The alleged offences were linked to a previous business and were said to have occurred between 2014 and 2017.
After multiple delays, proceedings concluded this week at Bolton Crown Court. Mr Cornick was unanimously found not guilty on the main charge of computer hacking.
In a public statement following the decision, 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 I acknowledge the challenging and important role the Information Commissioner’s Office plays in protecting citizens’ personal data, I reject any notion of wrongdoing.”
The timeframe of the alleged incident coincided with a period in which data buying and selling was widespread across various industries. Since then, privacy regulations have significantly advanced, highlighting the modern requirement for data integrity and transparency.
Mr Cornick noted that he was open to engaging with the ICO early in the process and expressed full cooperation throughout the investigation.
However, the ICO never formally interviewed him nor conducted searches of his premises.
“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 continued. “They are built on professionalism and trust and this result changes none of that.”
Though cleared of the principal allegation, Mr Cornick was found guilty — by a reduced jury of ten — on a lesser charge relating to the unlawful acquisition of personal data. This offence carries a financial penalty but no custodial sentence.
His legal team has already initiated the appeal process.
“I have managed all my business ventures both past and present with integrity, and this was made clear throughout the case. I plan to clear my name and protect the reputation of my companies and hard-working staff.
“Our technology has assisted in the processing of millions of claims over the years across multiple businesses and we have always complied with every rule and regulation. This outcome does not reflect how we operate nor who we are.
“My businesses never work with third-party data because the origin of that data cannot be assured.
“We are proud of our record and will continue building ethical, compliant businesses that deliver measurable success.”
Mr Cornick’s companies continue to work with leading global legal and insurance partners, maintaining a clean compliance record and having successfully passed repeated regulatory audits.
Laura Smith, from Cartwright King Solicitors, added:
“We welcome the not guilty verdict for computer hacking which clears Mr Cornick of serious wrongdoing.
“This was a private prosecution brought by the ICO, relating to offences said to have taken place a significant number of years ago. No evidence was produced throughout the prosecution case that showed Mr Cornick, or the company received or processed stolen data.
“He maintains a strong standing within the business, legal and technology communities and will continue to carry on as normal as we work to fully clear his name.”
As his legal team pursues the appeal, Mr Cornick remains committed to his companies and their ongoing success.
