Fake film fraudster in court
Published Monday 19th July 10 in Council - news and information releases news
A Southend film pirate has been scuppered by the law.
On Wednesday 7th July at Southend Crown Court , John Clark, 53, of Cumberland Avenue, Southend, was convicted of making and supplying counterfeit DVDs of the latest Hollywood movies.
He was sentenced to a six month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 100-hour Community penalty, and a nightly curfew from 8pm till 6am for four months.
Clark had been producing and supplying his counterfeit DVD's for more than three years.
The court heard that when Police raided Clark's home in December 2008, they seized more than 400 counterfeit DVD films, along with hundreds of blank disks, specialised computer duplicating equipment and a large amount of cash.
Matters of forfeiture, costs and confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act, were adjourned by the court until a full financial investigation has been completed.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Trading Standards Department brought the prosecution under the Trade Marks Act and Copyright Designs and Patents Act.
The Council's Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, Councillor Tony Cox, said: "Fraud is a crime, and people who attempt to make counterfeit goods, face very tough penalties.
"This case acts as a warning to everyone, that we will take legal action against those found trying to flout the law."