Jail and £60,000 confiscation order for DVD fake trader
A counterfeit trader who single-handedly ran a "cottage industry" in fake DVDs, music and games over three years has been jailed for 18 months and has received a confiscation order for £60,000.
Gary Heathcock's criminal enterprise will cost him "all of his assets bar the shirt on his back".
Heathcock, 48, built an increasingly sophisticated illegal business between 2001 and 2004, said Judge Les Spittle. His "mini-factory" - a production line with three computers, master discs and printed covers - was found at his bungalow on Ludlow Crescent, Redcar in November 2004.
Prosecutor Joan Smith said he advertised special offers and a "summer sale" online.
He also advertised his dishonesty, said the judge. He used disclaimers assuring customers he did not work undercover for the authorities and warning Trading Standards and the Federation Against Copyright Theft that they would be breaching "a law instigated by Bill Clinton" if they entered his website. Heathcock admitted 20 Trademarks charges and nine Copyright charges.
The true scale and profit of his operation are unknown, but legal teams agreed his criminal benefit was just over £88,900. In six months, he must pay the state £60,000 from the equity of his home under a confiscation order, having lost seized equipment and goods worth almost £29,000.
Tom Mitchell, defending, said Heathcock suffered depression and started collecting, swapping and building up a library before any commercial enterprise started. The married dad-of-two, who had no relevant previous convictions, had "learned his lesson well and truly", he added.
Judge Spittle said Heathcock had to be sent to prison for offences which had widespread effects on artists, manufacturers, consumers and legitimate businesses.
Howard Turton, principal Trading Standards officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council who acted on an anonymous letter reporting the scam, said outside court: "It's a very satisfying result. I think it shows the seriousness of the crime."