Suspended sentence for IT worker who deleted work files to prove he was needed
An Adelaide IT worker who deleted data from his former employer's computer system to make the organisation regret his absence has been given a six-month suspended sentence.
Aaron Leslie Powell, 40, admitted to hacking the computer system of the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA), and modifying data.
He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully accessing a computer system and two counts of unlawfully modifying computer data to cause harm or inconvenience.
The District Court heard he had deleted files, calendar events and emails, and forwarded some emails to unintended recipients, costing the not-for-profit organisation more than $10,000 to investigate and recover.
The former IT coordinator had suffered four strokes since he was 17.
After his most recent stroke about four years ago, he required extensive rehabilitation before returning to work.
He now relies on a motorised scooter to transport him around.
Powell's lawyer told the court her client felt he was given meaningless tasks and was not treated with dignity upon his return to work because of his disabilities.
A complaint was made against him relating to discussions he had with other employees and despite not fully understanding the complaint, he decided to quit the organisation in February 2012.
Powell committed the offences in the five months following his job being advertised.
Judge Steven Millsteed said Powell was previously law-abiding and a regular community volunteer, and the offending was out of character.
"You perceived that the relationship with the management had deteriorated and you were being assigned fewer meaningful tasks," Judge Millsteed said.
"I have no doubt that this offending was an aberration born out of extreme pressures acting on you.
"I acknowledge that you are of previous good character and despite the misfortune you have encountered, you have admirably worked hard to make a difference in the community."
Judge Millsteed suspended the six-month sentence and placed Powell on a $500 two-year good behaviour bond.
He told Powell he hoped he could find meaningful employment, saying he felt Powell deserved it.
