Briton guilty of Dubai hacking

Lee Ashurst (right) denied the charges

By Julia Wheeler in Dubai

A British man has been found guilty of hacking into the United Arab Emirates' state internet system and fined $2,700 (£1,900).

Lee Ashurst, 22, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was found not guilty of the related charge of opening other people's e-mail, but he still faces a separate civil case.

The monopoly internet provider in the UAE, Etisalat, had accused Lee Ashurst of hacking into its system from his laptop computer and causing widespread problems.

There is currently no law against hacking in the UAE but Ashurst was charged with the misuse of telecommunications equipment.

'Scapegoat'

His arrest last June came after considerable public criticism of Etisalat's internet services and the company alleged Ashurst was the source of the extensive disruption.

Defence lawyers maintain their client was used as a scapegoat and are planning to appeal against the verdict.

Etisalat is the sole internet provider in the UAE

The case is also being transferred to the civil courts where Etisalat plans to sue Ashurst for lost revenue during the time the server was down.

If it is successful, the resulting damages could run into thousands of pounds.

The UAE is currently rushing through legislation against hacking as a result of the problems this case has highlighted.

The case has been embarrassing for the UAE, especially as Dubai has been trying to position itself as the internet hub of the Middle East.

It has also given ammunition to local critics of the state's monopoly on telecommunications.