Video games pirates jailed

Barry Terence Warren of Merseyside received six months imprisonment. His accomplice, first time offender Paul Gibbons of Manchester received a four-month prison sentence. Gibbons was charged with eight offences under the Trade Marks Act and Warren with 11, seven of which were games related.

According to BHPR, the investigation began back in December last year, when Flintshire County Council Trading Standards Department asked ELSPA to assist in an operation at the Coed Mawr market in Greenfields, Flint.

They were also supported by North Wales Police. An ELSPA investigator made several test purchases of copied games discs from the stall of Gibbons and Warren, and the pair was arrested.

Further observations by ELSPA led to the seizure of two vehicles, one of which proved to be full of counterfeit products.

Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA said: "Piracy is a criminal offence and as these two convictions show, anyone tempted to become involved in this illegal activity faces tough action from the authorities. ELSPA would like to thank all those involved in the successful resolution of this investigation."

The offenders will be brought back to court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at a later date, when the financial issues will be considered. They potentially face the loss of all their illegal earnings and assets as well as additional financial penalties. µ

Looking for a bargain TFT screens in UK. Ebay has never been so much popular for LCD screens. I've bagged myself two 18-inch Eizo Flexcan L680 for £160 with delivery. Now there's an IBM T86-9497 18.1-inch Flat Panel Monitor for sale at a BIN price of £104 including delivery. It is used but you can surely pump out some more juice from it. D-Sub only model with a resolution of 1024x1280. The cheapest LCD monitor award has to go to the Mitac LC552 15-inch monitor at £60 inc. VAT. This model comes with two speakers and is in excellent condition. Maximum resolution is XGA.