Man posted criminal records online

Cyber crime was for revenge, court hears

A THATCHAM man uploaded confidential, sensitive information from the Police National Computer (PNC) on to his social media site.

Matthew Francis Galgey got hold of the criminal record of his ex-girlfriend’s new partner and posted it on his public Facebook page.

And on Thursday, September 3, his actions landed him in the dock at West Berkshire Magistrates’ Court.

Jennifer Riddell, prosecuting, told magistrates: “This is an interesting case and it may be the first time that one like this has come before you.”

She said the 28-year-old barman, formerly of Wordsworth Road, Thatcham, and now of Almond Drive, had received the information, gleaned from the PNC, from his solicitor.

Ms Riddell explained that it was contained among paperwork sent for his defence in a case that has already been through the courts involving himself, his former girlfriend Becky Parfitt and her new love.

She added: “He sent messages to her showing her the PNC printout of her new partner before posting photographs of it on to Facebook.

“In interview he said he had been in a relationship with Ms Parfitt but they had broken up.

“She would make out he was a bad person so he posted the information to show her that her new partner wasn’t a nice bloke.

“He said he was just going to leave it posted up there.”

Mr Galgey admitted disclosing personal data without the consent of the data controller on July 15.

He has previous convictions, including sending indecent or obscene messages to Ms Parfitt.

Representing himself, Mr Galgey told magistrates: “After months of abuse from the other parties, I wanted my ex to know I wasn’t happy with her new partner being near my children.

“It was quite an extensive record he had.

“I wasn’t aware I was breaking the law.

“Now I know it was wrong.”

Magistrates fined Mr Galgey £200. He was also ordered to pay £180 criminal courts charge, £40 costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Presiding magistrate Brenda Harding said: “We make no order for compensation as we fear that would only exacerbate an already bad situation.”