Teen hacker prosecuted
Date: May 26, 2005Source: The Inquirer
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A 15 YEAR old Kiwi hacker has been sentenced to three months in a juvenile detention centre and his mum ordered to pay $1496.50 in reparations. The youth was charged with accessing a computer for a dishonest purpose, causing loss by deception, and theft.
According to the Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune, here, the prosecutors said that in February, the kid decided to exchange a schoolmate's computer and accessories for a more powerful machine and better accessories for a fee of $235.
He flogged the friend’s computer on the Trademe website but only managed to get $600 - just over half its value. To make up for the failure of the deal he gave his friend a poorly-assembled, home-built computer which did not work. He also stole his friend's cellphone.
Obviously the friend was a bit miffed, so on April 14 the youth hacked into a Hastings computer store's system, and ordered items he needed for his friend from a supplier in Auckland.
The store was owned by another mate, who had refused to go along with his earlier cunning plan.
To make sure the computer arrived at the right place, the kid altered the delivery address for the items, valued at $1296.50, to his home. This, of course lead Inspector Knacker of the Bay to pay him a visit. According to the kid’s brief, youth advocate Roger Philip the crimes had been committed for an adrenaline rush.
"Criminal activity appears to give him excitement. He just gets bored with his life and appears to get a thrill out of this," Mr Philip told the court.
He was also charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, theft from a dwelling, three counts of burglary, and four counts of theft from a motor vehicle.
Those adrenaline rushes are required if you are a teen living in Havelock North, which is an extremely pretty, but dull, place if you are under 20.
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