Cop computer super snooper

A former court administrator from Oldham illegally tampered with records on the police’s national database.

Single mum Lisa Wright (33) scoured the Police National Computer (PNC) unlawfully to uncover information on friends and family — and even altered details.

Twice she bypassed six of seven secure mandatory data protection checks to get on the computer, Oldham Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

Wright, of Hall Street, Oldham withdrew a distress warrant issued for a neighbour she claimed not to know; changed her sister’s ex-boyfriend’s account to give him 30 months to pay fines rather than 12, and even checked a family member’s data for a birthday invitation.

The PNC is the police’s main intelligence database, with millions of records on people, vehicles, crimes and property. An audit revealed irregularities linked back to Wright.

Deputy District Judge Andrew Meachin sentenced Wright to a 12-week curfew order and ordered her to pay costs of £500 when she pleaded guilty to a count of using the database without authorisation.

She also admitted three counts of obtaining or disclosing personal data.

At the time of the offences Wright worked at Manchester City Magistrates Court. She now works in administration for Oldham Council

Wright is about to start the final year of a six-year part-time law degree.


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