Jail for man who made PS100,000 from counterfeit films and music.
A FRAUDULENT businessman who made more than PS100,000 counterfeiting thousands of CDs, DVDs and computer games has been jailed for eight months.Nigel Thomas, 60, appeared at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing and for the imposition of a Proceeds of Crime Act order after admitting participating in a fraudulent business and eight offences of unauthorised possession of counterfeit goods.
Susan Ferrier, prosecuting, said the offences came to light after the Federation against Copyright Theft (FACT) contacted Trading Standards officers at Carmarthenshire county council.
In September 2011 the defendant's home in Burry Street, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, was searched by Trading Standards officers, assisted by police and FACT officers. Ms Ferrier said: "There was a quite sophisticated operation in the house.
"There was well-organised counterfeiting and the kitchen and bedroom were used for wholesale copying. Twenty three thousand copied discs and blanks were seized as well as computers and CD burners."
Representatives of EMI, Sony and other companies sampled the and established that they were counterfeit. Thomas had been copying and counterfeiting films, music and games, she said.
James Davies, for Thomas, asked the court to impose a suspended sentence as his client was in poor health and would find prison difficult.
He said Thomas was of previous good character and unlikely to commit further offences.
Judge Paul Thomas QC told Thomas: "You accept that you received in excess of PS100,000 from this illegal activity. The cost to the industry has not been calculated but I suspect it was quite a lot more. You did it with your eyes open.
"Those who commit this sort of crime cost legitimate producers and outlets a great deal of money.
"It impacts on people's jobs and livelihoods.
The message has to go out that people go to prison and go immediately." Thomas was jailed for eight months, ordered to repay PS71,000 and ordered to forfeit the discs and computer equipment.
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| Publication: | Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales) |
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| Date: | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Words: | 317 |
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