Court Sentences Attacker for Damaging Ogi’s UK Full Fibre Broadband Network

The Swansea Crown Court (SCC) has sentenced a 37-year-old man to 16-months in custody (suspended for 2 years) after he was found guilty of conducting “targeted attacks” against Ogi’s full fibre (FTTP) broadband network in Pembrokeshire during the start of 2024, which left nearby homes and businesses disconnected for several days.

At the time of our original report (here), we noted that Ogi’s network had suffered “extensive” damage, involving overhead and chamber sites (sub-duct and fibre) in the Pembroke Dock area. Engineers ended up having to restore over 600 metres of the network across several sites in the town – effectively rebuilding major parts of the newly installed broadband infrastructure.

Crews were also pulled from planned build activity and redeployed to put things right. Investment meant for expanding and strengthening the south Wales-based network was redirected into replacing what had been deliberately destroyed. That’s the wider story behind incidents like this. Every act of vandalism slows progress, diverts skilled teams, and delays new connections – holding back communities that are waiting for it.

The incident also led to Ogi supporting a large group of other network operators in their call for the previous UK Government and Ofcom to help tackle a recent rise in attacks – often committed by criminal gangs and vandals – against vital national telecoms infrastructure and the engineers who build it (here).

Ogi’s CEO, Sally-Anne Skinner, said:

“For us, the issue has never been a trivial one. When networks are attacked, it’s homes, high streets and public services that feel it first. The impact is immediate and it’s personal.

This sentence sends a clear message that damaging digital infrastructure carries serious consequences. Fibre networks are critical infrastructure – enabling social care services, powering local businesses and keeping families connected. When they are targeted, the ripple effect goes far beyond the initial damage.

I’d like to thank our engineers and our partners in law enforcement and the local authority for their determination in bringing this case to a conclusion. Our focus remains on building a resilient, future-ready network for Wales and protecting it for the communities we serve.

Across the sector, there is growing recognition that fibre networks underpin modern life. They are no longer a convenience – but are essential. “That was the message behind Ogi’s industry call, and it remains just as relevant today.”

In sentencing the 37-year-old man, Judge Huw Rees, said: “People who use that network and people who wanted to make emergency calls in dire circumstances, were prevented from doing so by your actions. Your actions disrupted essential services.”

The judge also criticised Dyfed-Powys Police for their handling of the case, which led to a two-year delay in proceedings coming to court: “It took them 12 months before they charged him. The police had enough evidence on his arrest to interview him that day, and this will count in his favour – he was caught red-handed.”

Today’s sentencing will be welcomed, but Ogi expressed that it’s not the end of the problem. The provider said they will continue to work alongside industry partners and authorities to safeguard vital infrastructure and make sure communities and businesses across Wales can rely on the connectivity they depend on every day.