A Caerphilly man has been found convicted for pirating DVDs after an investigation by Trading Standards and Gwent Police.
Ernest Harvey was convicted of counterfeiting offences relating to the supply of fake DVDs at Caerphilly Magistrates Court.
A warrant was executed on his home address at Burns Close, Graig-Y-Rhacca in September last year where officers discovered a haul of pirate DVDs and copying equipment. In total 200 copied discs, labels, order lists and 174 empty DVD cases were found at the property.
Harvey claimed he was copying for friends and family only, but it has emerged that he was previously prosecuted by Rhondda Cynon Taff Trading Standards in 2005 for similar offences.
He received a 12 month suspended prison sentence, 12 months supervision and a requirement to attend 15 hours of Crime Reduction training. He was also ordered to pay £250 costs plus his computer and hard drive was forfeited by the court.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, Caerphilly’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that counterfeiting is a crime and action will be taken against those who flout the law to make a profit.
“Our trading standards team work in close partnership with the police to seek out this illegal activity and It is satisfying to see their hard work has result in yet another successful conviction.”