mill850:

 

Take it to an authorised Apple repair centre with proof of purchase.  It’s possible for Apple to remove Activation Lock from devices without using the previous owner’s iCloud password.

 

Proof of purchase does not imply proof of ownership.   A GST receipt from an EFTPOS transaction for example.

Strict security requirements & locked down hardware make Apple devices very frustrating to work with. 

New iPhones should come wrapped in a straitjacket.