A ‘malicious’ cyber criminal attacked the websites of The Conservative Party, British Airways and Merseyside Police.

Ian Sullivan, 51, also admitted targeting adoption websites – leaving thousands of parents unable to access vital information and support.

Sullivan, who has been linked to global hacking group Anonymous, attacked children’s social services, social housing and crime prevention websites – forcing 300 in total to go offline.

The hacker, of Farmer Place, Bootle, was due to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today.

But Judge Graham Morrow, QC, said he wanted more details of the impact on Sullivan’s victims, naming a number of those which had been targeted.

He also asked for an explanation of how the crimes were carried out and adjourned the case until August 27.

Sullivan, who was wearing a hooded black leather jacket in the dock, was remanded on bail.

He previously pleaded guilty to carrying out a series of cyber attacks in 2013.

Analysis of his computer found software designed to take websites offline, and documentation linking him to other campaigns and activity carried out by Anonymous – who are linked to dozens of high profile computer hacks.

Sullivan’s targets included a range of business and public sector websites, including the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCAS), which provides expertise, advice and support for children going through adoption and divorce proceedings.

The sites were “flooded with data” – rendering them completely inaccessible.

Luckily, no sensitive information was taken during the hack.

Sullivan was arrested in July 2013 after a joint operation by the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit and TITAN, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. Investigators linked the hacks to his Twitter name, which had been seen boasting of the attacks.

Steven Pye, senior operations manager at the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Among other impacts, Sullivan’s actions are likely to have deprived vulnerable people of access to important information, ranging from where to get support on family breakup, to reporting crime anonymously.”