Money confiscated from a man convicted of counterfeiting goods

A man convicted of counterfeiting DVDs and computer games has been ordered to pay back the money he made through his criminal lifestyle.

Andrew Minor appeared before magistrates in Buxton on January 15, where he was told to pay back £1,485 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and £2,224 costs.

The act means that anyone who profits from crime can lose the financial and lifestyle gains they have enjoyed.

For example, people who may have earned money by drug dealing can have this money taken from them. The money seized is split between the Treasury and police, Court Services and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Police executed a drugs warrant at Minor's house in Spire Hollin, Glossop, in June 2008. They discovered a small amount of cannabis and a production line for counterfeiting DVDs and games. Officers found £1,485 in cash, which they seized under POCA.

The January hearing followed two previous court appearances by Minor (38) in relation to the case.

In August 2008, Minor pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and was fined £175 and ordered to pay £60 costs.

In September 2009, Minor pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Trade Marks Act and was given a 51 weeks sentence, suspended for two years and told to carry out 120 hours unpaid work.

At a separate hearing in September 2009, the court confiscated £8,203, which included cash and the value of his car.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Kershaw, of the North Proceeds of Crime Investigation Team, said: "We hope this case shows people profiting from crime that criminal lifestyles don't pay and that we will catch up with you.

"In total, this case would have cost Minor more than £25,000.

"We worked closely with Derbyshire County Council's Trading Standards team throughout the investigation and it's a great example of how different organisations can work together to secure convictions."

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: "We're very pleased that working in partnership with the police on this case has achieved a result which sends out the clear message that crime doesn't pay.

"We're committed to continuing our own work and supporting the police wherever we can to stamp out the counterfeit trade and this type of crime in Derbyshire."

If you suspect that someone is profiting from crime, call police on 0345 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.