Payback time for DVD Pirate.
The Wales Regional Assets Recovery team has taken a Swansea man back to court to payback the proceeds of his criminal activities.
David John Jones, aged 54, of Clos Rhymni, Cwmrhydyceirw, Swansea appeared at Swansea Crown Court on the 29th of April 2006 in relation to a counterfeiting case conducted by Swansea Trading Standards during 2005.
In early 2005, Swansea Trading Standards received a tip off from the British Phonographic Institute in relation to Jones counterfeiting DVDs and CDs on a large scale. It appeared that he was an influential member of an organised, internet based forum which provided high quality master copies of DVD films, games and music to other members of the group and lower ranking associates.
On 28th April 2005, a search warrant was executed at Jones’ home address by police and trading standards officers where a large amount of computer equipment was seized in a back bedroom, along with counterfeit games, films, music, blank media and order lists. Subsequent forensic examination of the items seized discovered in excess of 2000 separate films, music files and games along with "ripping" software used for copying files which have been electronically protected.
On 29th September 2005, at Swansea Magistrates Court, Jones pleaded guilty to 12 specimen charges in relation to Trade Marks offences and the case was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing and confiscation.
On 28th April 2006, Jones appeared at Swansea Crown Court in relation to his sentencing and confiscation. Under the Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002, His Honour Judge Price ordered that Jones had benefited from his activities to a total of £40,492.01 and ordered that he pay back the same amount which was deemed to be the proceeds of his criminal activities. He was given 3 months to pay. The Judge also sentenced Jones to 6 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and awarded £2,500 in costs to Swansea Trading Standards.