CPS News Brief

Hacker who targeted US military systems sentenced

A computer hacker from the West Midlands who gained unauthorised access to data from US military communication systems has been handed a suspended prison sentence today (Sep 14).

 

Sean Caffrey, 25, admitted an offence under the Computer Misuse Act at Birmingham Crown Court in June and today was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

 

The court heard how Caffrey, of Sutton Coldfield, stole usernames and email addresses belonging to more than 800 users of a satellite communication system and around 30,000 satellite phones.

 

The American Department of Defense said the 2014 attack took 50 hours to repair at a cost of more than $600,000 (c. £450,000 at current exchange rate).

 

Rose-Marie Franton, from the CPS, said:

 

“By infiltrating the computer systems of the American military, Sean Caffrey caused an international security breach which cost hundreds of thousands to fix.

 

“Despite his efforts to mask his online identity, the prosecution was able to build a compelling case against him. Faced with the evidence, Caffrey admitted his guilt.”

 

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Notes to Editors

·         Rose-Marie Franton is Head of the CPS Organised Crime Division

 

Football fan fined for homophobic chanting

A football fan who shouted homophobic abuse at opposition fans during a Premier League match has been fined after he admitted indecent chanting.

A police officer heard Jason Holmes, 44, from Leicester, chanting a homophobic term at away supporters at the Leicester City v Brighton and Hove Albion fixture on Saturday 19 August.

Holmes was subsequently arrested and the CPS authorised a charge of indecent chanting, contrary to section 3 of Football (Offences) Act 1991.

He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (14 Sep), pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £300. This fine was increased from £250 due to the homophobic nature of the offending. He was also required to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Prior to today's hearing, Holmes voluntarily attended an educational session provided by Kick it Out, the campaign against discrimination in football.

Janine Smith, from the CPS, said:

“The CPS takes all forms of discrimination seriously and has an important part to play in eliminating it from football. This offence was treated as a homophobic hate crime and Jason Holmes received an uplifted fine from the court.

“The role of the Criminal Justice System is to rehabilitate and prevent further offending as well as to punish. The CPS contacted Kick it Out about the educational sessions they provide and Jason Holmes was offered such a session to help him understand the full impact of his behaviour, which he attended.

“The contribution of Kick it Out to this case has ensured that, as well as facing the consequences of his actions, this defendant will understand why his actions were so unacceptable.”

Roisin Wood, Chief Executive Officer at Kick It Out, said:

“Through our work with the CPS and Leicester City Football Club, we were able to recommend a course of action which ensured that Jason would understand the full impact of his homophobic behaviour.

“At Kick It Out, we encourage rehabilitation through education for individuals or groups that act in a discriminatory manner, where appropriate. We believe this is the best way to ensure our messages of equality and inclusion are received and understood by anyone who discriminates.

“Over the past few years we have worked with supporters at numerous clubs to educate them on unacceptable behaviour and to understand what impact discriminatory actions could have on fellow fans.

“The sentence handed to Jason is a timely reminder that all acts of discrimination in football are against the law and can end up in banning orders or further prosecution.”

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Notes to Editors

·         Janine Smith is Chief Crown Prosecutor of CPS East Midlands

Dealer who unlawfully sold Princess Diana portrait jailed

 

A Cotswold art dealer who stole or unlawfully sold paintings depicting many famous names, including Princess Diana, has been jailed today (Sep 12).

Jonathan Poole, 69, was sentenced to four years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court having admitted multiple theft offences at an earlier hearing.

Over three decades it is estimated Poole, of Poulton near Cirencester, made over £500,000 by either selling artwork he was not entitled to or by taking percentages of the profits from legitimate sales. The stolen artworks had various owners, including the estates of music legends Miles Davis and John Lennon.

Among the paintings he unlawfully sold were portraits of music stars Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr as well as model Kate Moss and Marilyn Monroe. Much of the artwork had been painted by Jagger’s Rolling Stones band mate Ronnie Wood.

The court heard how Poole ran into financial difficulties and closed his galleries in Compton Cassey and Fossebridge, both in Gloucestershire. After the closure, efforts were made to trace the stolen artworks and return them to their rightful owners but some have never been located.

James Ward, from the CPS, said:

“Jonathan Poole was a reputable art dealer who abused his position of trust in the most discreditable way. All of the pieces of art are extremely valuable and there is no doubt Poole was well aware of this.

“Through careful analysis of financial transactions spanning several decades, the CPS built a strong case and faced with the evidence against him, Poole pleaded guilty.

“While some of the stolen artwork may never be recovered, I hope today’s sentence provides some sense of justice to the victims whose trust was breached by Poole.”

The CPS will now instigate proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act in order to recover the stolen funds.

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Notes to Editors

·         James Ward is a Crown Advocate with CPS South West