A MAN changed a company’s computer password in what was described as a petty attempt to get compensation for previous employment.

But the attack on the computers of Eco Systems Retail Ltd was quickly discovered and there had been no lasting effect.

Computer engineer Michael Paul Lee admitted two charges under the Computer Misuse Act.

Lee, 49, of Ffordd y Pentre, Nercwys, near Mold, was fined £800 with £85 costs and a £40 surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told North East Wales magistrates about an unauthorised access to the Birkenhead-based company's computer network in May.

Lee had performed IT maintenance and support from 2012 to 2016 for an earlier business which at its peak employed 65 staff in asset disposal and data destruction.

Managing director Christopher Littlewood voluntarily liquidated the company in September 2016. He owed Lee in the region of £2,500 and arrangements had been made to settle what was owed.

A new company was set up but Lee gained access with the old username and password and changed the password effectively, denying Mr Littlewood access to his own systems.

Fortunately an alternative superuser access system which allowed access to the systems had been set up.

Richard Thomas, defending, told the Mold court Lee accepted what he had done and was remorseful.

He had been reckless and understood the damage that could have been caused.

Magistrates said it could have had a significant impact but the intrusion was discovered quickly.

They said that if customer personal details had been made available, then the consequences could have been catastrophic.

Magistrates described it as a petty attempt to regain compensation for previous employment.

Lee mouthed “sorry” to the magistrates at the end of his hearing.