A MAJOR Cumbrian employer has pleaded guilty to a number of technology security offences, following a prosecution process from the nuclear regulator.

In March 2024 the ONR notified Sellafield Ltd. of its intention to prosecute under the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003.

The charges relate to information technology security offences between 2019 and early 2023 as follows:

1.Failing to comply with an approved security plan by not arranging for annual health checks to be undertaken of the companies Operational Technology systems.

2.Failing to comply with an approved security plan by not arranging for annual health checks to be undertaken of the companies Information Technology systems.

3.Failing to ensure that there was adequate protection of Sensitive Nuclear Information on the companies Information Technology network.

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said: “We have pleaded guilty to all charges and cooperated fully with ONR throughout this process.

“The charges relate to historic offences and there is no suggestion that public safety was compromised.

“As the issue remains the subject of active court proceedings, we are unable to comment further.”

An Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) spokesman said: “We acknowledge that Sellafield Limited has pleaded guilty to all charges.

“There is no evidence that any vulnerabilities have been exploited.

“As the details of the case have yet to be heard in court, we are unable to provide further comments at this stage. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 10am on Thursday, 8 August at Westminster Magistrates Court."