Counterfeiter to serve 15 month prison sentence

 

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Posted on 27 Aug 2008 at 15:51

A man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to 23 offences relating to the possessing for sale of illegally copied games, films, music and pornography on recordable discs.

The man from Bristol also requested that a further 144 offences be taken into consideration and was ordered to pay £12,000 towards prosecution costs.

Gary Boulter, 51, was involved in running a copying factory from his premises and the results of a subsequent police raid found that he had a room dedicated to copying games, film, music and pornography.

His computers and copying equipment were seized, as were over 2300 copied discs, such as PlayStation2 and Xbox games, feature films, music and pornographic films. Around 500 blank DVD-R discs and 173 copied inlays were also confiscated.

Police estimate that the legitimate market value of the detained games, films and music is in excess of £50,000.

Boulter also faces a confiscation order of £10,500, which he must pay within six months, or he will face a further nine months in prison.

Judge Darwall-Smith said that Boulter's operation was a large commercial venture and that his illegal use of trademarks debases the industries affected.

Neil Derrick, Senior Enforcement Officer for South Gloucestershire Trading Standards, reckons Boulter's sentence may be harsh, but will serve to set an example to other counterfeiters.

"Mr Boulter has been dealt with severely by the court and this should stand as a stern warning to others who are tempted to engage in this type of activity," he said.

"He has not only lost his liberty, but now also has to pay significant sums of money in costs and under the confiscation order, as well as having all of his discs and associated equipment forfeited. He obviously had no regard for the local retailers whose businesses are badly affected by counterfeiting."

Author: Theo Salvador