Thousands of pirate DVDs made for man’s ‘big family’

A Fitton Hill man who used his computer to make thousands of counterfeit DVDs told a court it had never been to gain a profit.

Philip Marshall, of Beechwood Road, had been producing 300 pirate DVDs a week for four years, including blockbuster hits.

He told the court they had always been given to family and friends.

Questioned by magistrates on how large his family was, he said: “Big.”

Police went to Marshall’s house in Fitton Hill in February 2011 on another matter, and stumbled on his DVD scheme.

They seized a computer that had seven DVD burners built in, plus discs and a printer that had been used to recreate official DVD covers.

Marshall’s father was later released, but Marshall yesterday pleaded guilty to 10 charges of copying and applying trademarks.

He was given a 12-month community order, and must pay £800 in charges.


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