The mum of missing student Jack O’Sullivan said she was ‘thrilled’ after winning a long battle to get his phone data from EE.

Catherine O’Sullivan said the mobile phone giant has allowed the release of the phone data after months to get her son’s records released – as she believes it could help unlock the mystery over what happened to him. Jack, 23, vanished without trace after being last seen at 3.15am on Saturday March 2 in the area of Brunel Lock Road/Brunel Way, in Bristol.

On a social media post, Catherine said: “I just wanted to say a huge “Thank You” to EE for allowing the release of the phone data that we have tried so hard to get over the last few months. We really appreciate the help that they have given us – thankfully common sense prevailed in the end and we are so grateful!”

Jack O’Sullivan leaving for university ( 
Image:
Courtesy Catherine O’Sullivan / / SWNS)

Jack has been missing since March ( 
Image:
Catherine O’Sullivan / SWNS)
Previously Avon and Somerset Police refused to release his phone records to the family and Catherine said they have had to take legal action to gain access to the data that includes where it was last tracked. Jack’s phone account belongs to Catherine although she has been unable to access the information.

Avon and Somerset Police said it rejected the family’s original approach in August – citing the Home Office Communications Data Code of Practice and General Data Protection Regulation. Officers also said the information had not taken the investigation any further to be able to locate Jack.

Jack O’Sullivan ( 
Image:
Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)Don’t Miss
But Catherine, 52, of Flax Bourton, Somerset, said she wanted to review the data as she had concerns the police might have missed something. She previously said she had lost trust in the police when they realised vital CCTV clues had been missed and not followed up.

An EE spokesperson said: “We’re aware of Jack’s case. This is a police matter so we currently can’t comment any further at this time.”

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “We have taken time to carefully consider the data request to see if there was any way we could agree to it in order for Jack’s family to get the answers they deserve following his disappearance. However, on this occasion, we are restricted by law and have been unable to identify a clear legal basis which would allow for the disclosure to take place.”