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Medical student denies making guide for computer virus software

STV

James Cottrill, a student at the St Andrews University School of Medicine, faces a single charge under the Computer Misuse Act.

Dundee Sheriff Court: The trial, before Sheriff Tom Hughes and a jury, continues.
© STV

A medical student will stand trial accused of "making or supplying" a user guide for computer virus software estimated to have infected more than half a million computers around the world.

James Cottrill, a student at the St Andrews University School of Medicine, faces the charge under the Computer Misuse Act.

It is alleged he made, adapted, supplied or offered to supply a user guide and a setup guide intended to be used to commit an offence.

Fiscal depute Alex Piper told Dundee Sheriff Court: "The allegation is that this was a user guide for software called Blackshades.

"It is used by individuals to attach to other computers maliciously and nefariously.

"There are three different types of hacking which can be achieved using it - key logging, accessing the webcam and implanting viruses to extract information."

Cottrill, 21, of Wallace Street in St Andrews, Fife, pleaded not guilty to the charge on summary complaint.

Sue Williams, defending, said she was opposed to a Crown motion to adjourn the case.

Sheriff Alistair Carmichael fixed a further pre-trial hearing next week.

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