Man sentenced to 15 months for selling pirate copies

1:00pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A THORNBURY man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing pirate copies of films, music, computer games and pornography.

Gary Boulter, 51, of Knapp Road admitted a total of 23 offences relating to possessing counterfeit goods, which he intended to sell, at Bristol Crown Court, yesterday, Tuesday August 26.

In addition, Mr Boulter requested a further 144 offences be taken into consideration.

Boulter was sentenced for offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Video Recordings Act 1985 as a result of a prosecution brought by South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards.

Boulter was originally investigated by Trading Standards following a tip-off that he was involved in running a mini copying factory from his Thornbury home.

A warrant executed in December 2005, which involved the Police, Trading Standards and undercover investigators from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), revealed a room set up for the purposes of copying film, music, games and pornography.

Computer and copying equipment was seized from the house, as well as a total of 1,640 copied films on disc, 457 copied pornographic films, 232 copied music discs and some copied XBox and PlayStation games.

The legitimate market value of the films alone is estimated to total nearly £50,000.

During interview Boulter claimed that he did the copying as a hobby and gave the discs to friends and family at no cost. However, evidence retrieved from his computer clearly demonstrated that he was receiving payment for his efforts.

Neil Derrick, senior enforcement officer for South Gloucestershire Trading Standards, said: "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."

Boulter was ordered to 15 months imprisonment, ordered to pay £12,000 towards the prosecution's costs and a confiscation order of £10,500 was also made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.