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Suspended sentence for Worthing man who counterfeited film DVDs to support gambling (3 December 2015)

Date: 03/12/2015
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Suspended sentence for Worthing man who counterfeited film DVDs to support gambling

West Sussex Trading Standards have prosecuted a Worthing man caught illegally downloading and selling copied DVDs of unreleased films.

Stuart John Friend, 41, of 33 Hayley Road in Lancing, West Sussex sold the fake DVDs on Facebook, after using two computers at his home to copy films unlawfully.

Friend was caught after West Sussex Trading Standards officers bought four of his counterfeit DVDs – a warrant was issued and Friend’s equipment for making DVDs was seized by Trading Standards officers.

At Worthing Magistrates Court, Friend pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

District Judge Ashworth heard that Friend had carried out the illegal activity to help fund his gambling problem.

Judge Ashworth was also told the accused had a number of previous convictions, for which he had completed unpaid work.

The judge said he noted the seriousness of the offending, plus Friend’s history of previous offending of theft and assault.

However, he decided not to impose an immediate custodial sentence due to Friend’s guilty plea.

As well as an eight-month suspended jail sentence, Friend was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay costs of £2,178.

Judge Ashworth also ordered the destruction of the seized DVDs, laptops and other equipment connected with the offending.

After sentencing, Team Manager for West Sussex Trading Standards, Richard Sargeant, said:

“Illegally downloading unreleased films and selling them is a serious crime.

“It has a massive impact on small, local businesses that are trading legally and paying their proper taxes – they are legitimate traders who are supplying customers with real DVDs, rather than fakes.”

West Sussex County Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Public Protection, David Barling, added:

“Behind every fake DVD that is sold there is someone who has been robbed of their money. They will receive a DVD that has not only been illegally made, but is also very poor quality.

“I urge people not to take chances this Christmas in an attempt to save money. Buy from a reputable dealer or there’s a very good chance your will lose out in the end.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving counterfeit goods or supplying counterfeit goods – including branded goods, DVDs, tobacco and alcohol products, over-the-counter and prescription medications, cosmetics and perfumes, computer consumables and toys.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services.

For expert legal advice on counterfeiting offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


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