EXTRA PRISON PORTION FOR CHIPPER
Friday 31st March 2006/... An Essex man prosecuted for handling stolen goods has received an extended sentence for also being in possession of modified games console chips.
David Hoang, of 43 Greenlane, Ilford was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on the 23rd of this month following a police raid on his shop, DH Wings.
ELSPA investigators were called up to provide evidence at Hoang's trial following his not guilty plea to chipping offences. With ELSPA's input he was successfully convicted of possessing the chips and received an extra month to his sentence, taking his full prison term to 18 months.
"We're pleased we could assist in this case," said Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA. "The modification of games consoles, more commonly known as 'chipping', is a criminal offence and so is the possession of modified chips. The successful resolution of this case highlights the very real threat of prosecution and a criminal record to anyone tempted to become involved."
EDITORS NOTES:
About ELSPA - http://www.elspa.com
ELSPA (The Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) was founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the computer and video games industry. Membership includes almost all companies concerned with the publishing and distribution of interactive leisure software in the UK.
About Software Piracy and its negative impact on both consumers and industry.
ELSPA estimates criminal gain through computer and video games piracy sits at approximately £540 million.
Piracy/counterfeiting is illegal and punishable by fines and jail sentences.
The illegal copying of software poses the very real threat of criminal prosecution and a criminal record, as well as the risk of massive personal financial loss under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Consumers have no recourse under law for faulty pirated games, which can damage hardware.
Counterfeited/pirated games are often mixed with obscene or pornographic material.
Local and national jobs are lost as result of pirate operations.
Proven links exist between many organised counterfeiting organisations and dealers in drugs and pornography.
For further information on ELSPA or to arrange interviews, please contact:
EMMA COWIE/ HEATHER WILKINS
BARRINGTON HARVEY
Tel: 01462 456780
Fax: 01462 456781
Email: emma.cowie@bhpr.co.uk/ heather.wilkins@bhpr.co.uk
Issued by: Barrington Harvey, Trooper's Yard, Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1JW