Market Traders Jailed For Piracy

[Josh]

PRESS RELEASE

MARKET TRADERS JAILED FOR PIRACY

Tuesday 26 July 2005/... A double sentencing at Mold Crown Court in North Wales on Friday has resulted in the imprisonment of two offenders for the illegal trading of computer games and films.

Barry Terence Warren of Eleanor Road, Birkenhead in Merseyside received six months imprisonment. His accomplice, first time offender Paul Gibbons of Langfield Crescent, Droylseden in Manchester, received a four-month prison sentence. Gibbons was charged with eight offences under the Trade Marks Act and Warren with 11, seven of which were games related.

The investigation began back in December last year, when Flintshire County Council Trading Standards Department asked ELSPA to assist in an operation at the Coed Mawr market in Greenfields, Flint. They were also supported by North Wales Police. An ELSPA investigator made several test purchases of copied games discs from the stall of Gibbons and Warren, and the pair was arrested. Further observations by ELSPA led to the seizure of two vehicles, one of which proved to be full of counterfeit products.

Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA commented: "Piracy is a criminal offence and as these two convictions show, anyone tempted to become involved in this illegal activity faces tough action from the authorities. ELSPA would like to thank all those involved in the successful resolution of this investigation."

The offenders will be brought back to court for a Proceeds Of Crime Act hearing at a later date, when the financial issues will be considered. They potentially face the loss of all their illegal earnings and assets as well as additional financial penalties.