Print firm directors sentenced

Two directors of a Dulwich-based print business have received a nine-month suspended sentence at the Old Bailey for supplying printed inlays used in the distribution of hundreds of counterfeit DVDs.

David Wheeler, 58, and Phillip Walder, 55, from Pinpoint Press admitted to supplying printed inlays to Gui Chen, 35, over a period of nine months.

The three men pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving the unauthorised use of trademarks and were sentenced on March 24.

Chen, who was not associated with the company but delivered the inlays to premises involved in the production of counterfeit DVDs, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence and 100 hours of community service.

The illegal factories manufactured hundreds of thousands of counterfeit DVDs of the latest box-office hits.

The City of London Police and Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) carried out a joint investigation, which led to the arrest of three men in June last year.

Kieron Sharp, director general, FACT, said: "This case reflects the serious organised criminal business profiting from piracy.

"Criminals must be aware that the illegal copying, manufacture and distribution of films will lead to prosecution and imprisonment."

The two directors of Pinpoint Press claimed they were forced to supply the inlays to Chen as their print business faced financial difficulties.

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