Music conman jailed for £200k stash of fake discs

A CONMAN who had a stash of 4000 fake CDs and DVDs worth £200,000 has been jailed for 16 months.

Paul McPhillips, 41, of Greendykes Road, Edinburgh, was snared after authorities received confidential information that he was involved in the distribution of counterfeit illegal music.

Fiscal depute Isabel Clark told Edinburgh Sheriff Court that McPhillips had carried out the business from his council flat at Greendykes House via the internet.

Mrs Clark said after a test purchase confirmed the goods were counterfeit, a search of McPhillips' home was carried out and the fake goods were found. She added that the seized items were to be destroyed.

First offender McPhillips admitted making, offering and supplying counterfeit and unauthorised music goods under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

He also admitted possessing equipment for making the copies for sale.

Sheriff Frank Crowe said: "Prison is the only option."