He's not an IT 'pro' if he:
1. failed to take a hdd backup;
2. failed to check what was on a hdd before binning it;
3. failed to physically destroy the hdd before binning it.
Not a 'pro' in any means of the word.
And total lack of awareness of his situation.
If he was an "IT Pro", one of the worse ever.
I have absolutely no sympathy for him.
Besides, I find the story incredulous.