MANCHESTER, UK. June 30th, 2025 – A Manchester businessman has been cleared of computer hacking in a case brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Craig Cornick, who runs multiple businesses in the legal and financial services sector, was accused of historical offences, alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2017 within a previous business.
The private prosecution centred on the alleged hacking and obtaining of customers’ contact information without their consent.
Proceedings concluded this week at Bolton Crown Court after the case was hit by multiple delays.
Jurors unanimously found Mr Cornick not guilty of one count of conspiring to access computer systems without authority.
In a statement following the proceedings, he 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.”
At the alleged time in question, buying and selling data was a widespread practice among businesses. Since then, data protection regulations have been strengthened, highlighting the ongoing importance for businesses to carefully consider the sources of their data.
Mr Cornick emphasises that he was willing to engage with ICO investigators early in the process and fully co-operate with their inquiries.
A decision was made by the ICO to not formally interview Mr Cornick.
Mr Cornick stated: “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.”
In relation to a lesser and secondary charge of unlawfully obtaining personal data a majority guilty verdict was returned by the jury, which by this stage had reduced to 10 people. The maximum sentence for this charge would be a financial penalty only.
Mr Cornick’s legal team are going to appeal the secondary charge.
Mr Cornick stated: “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.”
His firms continue to work alongside major law firms and insurers internationally, with no compliance issues or sanctions reported. The firms have consistently passed regulatory audits over many years.
Laura Smith, Head of Corporate and Financial Crime at Cartwright King Solicitors, said: “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.”
Mr Cornick’s legal team are in the process of lodging an appeal, and he remains focused on his businesses and employees.
-ENDS-