Online information boards for 19 railway stations were changed into a rant about Muslims by an IT worker, a court heard.
Customers who expected to see a notice about terms and conditions were instead told that ‘Islamification of Europe is already happening and it’s getting worse each day’.
John Wik, 36, had discussed defacing the page with a colleague, citing the ‘significant political damage’ he could cause before he posted the message.
The hacker worked for Global Reach, who provide and manage public wi-fi networks all over the UK including those for Network Rail, and is now facing a jail sentence.
His message which warned of future terror attacks was seen by a ‘significant number of people’ and was up for ‘a matter of hours’ on September 25, 2024, before being reported and removed.
Wik appeared in court wearing a blue jacket and beige chinos and admitted distributing threatening material intending to stir up religious hatred.
Prosecutor Warren Stanier said: ‘He was employed by a company that develops and manages web pages for organisations that offer free wi-fi.
‘He defaced that initial page so that it gave members of the public a long message with images which the prosecution say was anti-Islamic.
John Wik, 36, (pictured) had discussed defacing the page with a colleague, citing the ‘significant political damage’ he could cause before he posted the message
His message which warned of future terror attacks was seen by a ‘significant number of people’ and was up for ‘a matter of hours’ at 19 different railway stations
‘It started out with the words: “We love Europe, the Islamification of Europe is already happening and it’s getting worse each day”.’
He added that the message was seen by a ‘significant number of people’.
‘It reached 19 railway stations across the Network Rail network. Mr Wik accepts that part of the prosecution case,’ Mr Stainer continued.
‘The Crown say this was a breach of trust, he used his position within his employment.
‘He discussed it with a work colleague and his words were: “It could cause significant political damage if this portal was amended”.’
Mr Wik accepted that he had hacked the system, but did not accept that his message had gone beyond Network Rail in his basis of plea.
‘It was a matter of hours before members of the public reported it and the page was taken down,’ added Mr Stanier.
Stations affected by the attack included Paddington, Kings Cross, London Bridge, Victoria, Bristol Temple Meads, Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central and Manchester Piccadilly.
District Judge Hina Rai told the court she did not have sufficient powers to sentence Wik and committed him to Inner London Crown Court at a date to be confirmed.
Wik, of Beckenham, admitted distributing threatening material intending to stir up religious hatred.
He remains on bail on the conditions that he does not have access to global reach systems, leave the UK, contact witnesses, or contact anyone at Global Reach beyond the management team.
