Tougher sentencing powers needed to deter data thieves, says ICO

Call from information commissioner Christopher Graham follows case of a woman who stole 28,000 driver records and received only a 1,000 fine

The head of the government's privacy watchdog has called for stronger sentencing powers for people convicted of stealing personal data, after a woman who sold 28,000 pieces of sensitive driver data was fined just 1,000.

In the wake of the case information commissioner Christopher Graham said the courts should be given tougher sanctions to deter prospective thieves, including suspended sentences, community service and even prison in very serious cases.