A Caerphilly man has been found guilty of counterfeiting offences following an investigation by CCBC Trading Standards and Gwent Police.
Ernest Harvey was convicted of counterfeiting offences relating to the supply of fake DVDs at Caerphilly Magistrates Court on the 30th September.
A warrant was executed on his home address at 19 Burns Close, Graig y Rhacca last September when 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 RCT 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/hard drive was forfeited by the court.
CCBC cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Lyn Ackerman 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.”
If you have any information about counterfeit goods please contact the trading standards team on 01495 235291
