INTERNET entrepreneur Dominic Hayhoe believes "pure spite" was behind a rival's bid to sabotage his website for reuniting military personnel.

Trowbridge-based Mr Hayhoe, who set up Forces Reunited three-years ago, said he hoped proper sentencing would deter potential hackers from targeting online firms in future.

Former RAF officer John Thornley pleaded guilty to uploading files onto Mr Hayhoe's website, causing the details of 1,500 members to be deleted, when he appeared at Chippenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Detectives from Wiltshire Police's high-tech unit arrested Thornley, of Chorley, Lancashire, in February.

The 31-year-old set up his own rival website, www.biscuitbrown.co.uk, as a hobby when he finished a nine-year career with the RAF.

www.biscuitbrown.co.uk

Mr Hayhoe, 33, said he wanted Thornley to pay a price for his actions, which could have crippled his business.

"My stance has always been the same. I want to make sure that this chap is well aware of what will happen if he attempts this kind of thing again, but also we can use this case to prevent or discourage other people from doing the same kind of thing," he said.

"Without the backup files we would have gone out of business.

"Without data you have lost the whole value of the firm. Anyone can create a website, the value is in the members.

"We were asked if we wanted to attend court but I have better things to do with my time."

Prosecutor Nicola Wootton told magistrates how Thornley uploaded files into the picture section of the site, including one of young wizard Harry Potter, wiping out 1,500 registrations.

Thornley pleaded guilty to four charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 for offences dating back to November.

Defence solicitor Richard Williams said his client did not intend to cause permanent damage and regretted the incident.

"This is no more than a matter of hi-tech criminal damage," he said.

Mr Hayhoe, who runs his company from offices in Church Street, Trowbridge, said he hoped the sentence would fit the crime.

"Apparently he gave the police some excuses when he was arrested and my answer is whatever they were it is not enough to try and ruin someone's business," he said.

"He had no motivation, it was pure spite. He needs a punishment to stop him doing this again."

Thornley will be sentenced on June 22 at Chippenham Magistrates' Court, following the preparation of pre-sentence reports, to include the option of a jail term.