Four people from Hampshire, Essex and Norfolk have been jailed for ten years following an investigation by Hampshire County Council Trading Standards and FACT.
Michael James Simmonds, aged 45 of Bridge Road, Bursledon, Kieran Collins aged 38 of Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth, Amanda Collins, aged 37 and also of Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth and Robert Kurian, aged 46 of Mascalls Way, Chelmsford were convicted on charges in connection with the illegal streaming of copyright protected material, such as Sky Sports and BT Sport, and laundering the proceeds.
Councillor Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, said: “This successful prosecution in collaboration with FACT has helped to ensure that legitimate providers of digital content are supported, and crucially, that consumers are protected from downloading unregulated content.”
Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive of FACT, added: “The individuals sentenced were involved in running a criminal enterprise that generated substantial profits with no regard for the rights of content owners. FACT continues to pursue those operating illegal streaming services who risk criminal convictions and forfeiture of assets.”
Simmonds was sentenced to 5 years 6 months imprisonment with half the sentence to be served on licence; Collins received three years imprisonment with the remainder served on licence; Collins received 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, and a requirement to conduct 200 hours of unpaid work, while Kurian receives 8 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, and the requirement to conduct 180 hours of unpaid work.
