Computer evidence key in hacking allegation against police inspector's son

Category: Computer Forensics

31 October, 2012

The high profile prosecution of a police inspector's son accused of hacking into his former school's computer to access the files of a younger female student will rely on computer evidence.

Matthew Higgins, now 20, is alleged to have boasted on a hackers forum that he had gained unauthorised access to the computer system of Eiras High School in Wales. He retrieved the files of a young student and sent a fake email to local Welsh Assembly member Darren Millar from a constituent, indicating the internet was insecure at the school.

The defendant complained to the police that his computer had been hacked and he had in fact been set up for the crime.

According to the prosecution, the IP number of Mr Higgins' computer account has linked him to the incident.

It is also alleged that in January 2011, the defendant used a false Facebook account to send a message under the guise of headmaster Phil McTague, asking girls to be his friend.

While the outcome of the case has yet to be decided, computer evidence will play an integral role in establishing fact from the accusations.

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