Demon Internet founder trial postponed

The crown court trial of Redbus and Demon Internet founder Cliff Stanford, who faces charges of blackmail and email intercepting, has been postponed until the end of the month.

Stanford was charged last year under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act 2000 with conspiracy to blackmail and the illegal interception of communications. He was set to face judges today with co-defendant George Liddell, but the trial at Southwark Crown Court has been put back until 28 January.

Last February, Stanford denied illegally intercepting emails of John Porter, chairman of Internet company Redbus and son of Dame Shirley Porter.

Stanford was arrested by the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit. Police began investigating him after he resigned from Redbus and sold his shares in the firm.