Courts / Galway / Report

Hacker who posted fake Murdoch death story on Sun website now a cybercrime fighter, court hears

Summary

Darren Martyn, 24, of Cloonbeggin, Claregalway, Co. Galway, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to data belonging to News International in July 2011. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Martyn, then 19 and a member of Lulzsec, hacked into The Sun's website, redirecting users to a fake story claiming Rupert Murdoch was dead. Garda Marion Brennan stated the hacking caused The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times websites to shut down for hours, with full restoration taking three weeks. Martyn's co-accused, Donncha O'Cearbhaill, received a suspended sentence last month. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded Martyn on continuing bail to May 24 for sentence. Defence barrister Leo Mulrooney BL described the case as exceptionally complicated, noting Martyn's guilty pleas were of huge assistance. Mulrooney highlighted that Martyn, who has no previous convictions, is now a security researcher and university lecturer, using his skills to prevent cybercrime. He urged the court to impose a non-custodial sentence, arguing the risk of re-offending was very slim. Martyn apologized for his actions, stating he no longer holds the views he had at the time of the offence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hacker who posted fake Murdoch death story on Sun website now a cybercrime fighter, court hears. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 2011 Adjournment
• May 24 Adjournment
• July 12, 2011 Adjournment
• July 18, 2011 Adjournment
• 2017-04-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report