TV swindle ends in jail

AN OLDHAM man is among a trio convicted for defrauding a cable TV firm.

Wayne Jackson (44), of Lavender Road, Holts, helped illegally modify digital TV set-top boxes enabling customers to access subscription channels for free.

Denton man Mark Faulkner (37) led the swindle and was given a 12-month jail term at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester on Monday for conspiracy to defraud Virgin Media between 2004 and 2006 and handling stolen goods.

He was also ordered to pay the communications company £23,500.

Jackson admitted trading smart cards he bought off Faulkner, which gave people free access to the channels, and was ordered to undertake 240 hours community service.

Robert Else (56), from Bromley in Kent, admitted handling stolen goods and was ordered to undertake 240 hours community service.

Sergeant Nick Ardran, of Denton Police, said: “This was a successful operation and Greater Manchester Police is pleased to have been able to work with the fraud team at Virgin Media to help them bring this case to court.

“Faulkner was part of a sizeable network and was buying and selling the customised Virgin Media cards all over the world.”

Virgin Media, which supplies TV, broadband, phone and mobile packages to 10million customers, warned it will not tolerate fraud.

Its head of fraud and security, Malcolm Davies, said: “This sentencing should act as a serious warning to others to steer clear of this type of crime.

“Despite Faulkner pleading guilty, the year-long custodial sentence judged to be appropriate in this case demonstrates the seriousness of this crime and how cases such as this will be dealt with by the courts.

“We want to drive a clear message home to those involved in this fraudulent activity — whether they are suppliers or customers — anyone modifying set-top boxes or receiving their channels in this way is acting illegally and committing a serious offence.

“We will not tolerate this fraud on our network and we will prosecute.

“Virgin Media will continue to work closely with police forces throughout the UK to prosecute individuals connected with this type of TV fraud.”

l Anyone with information about people supplying or using illicit equipment to receive Virgin Media TV channels can call confidential hotline 0800 096 7800.