COUPLE SENTENCED FOR STREAMING PIRACY

A man and woman from County Londonderry have been sentenced for offences connected to the supply of illegal subscriptions for streaming services involving more than £700,000. 

Cormac McGuckin and Maura McGuckin were sentenced at Omagh Crown Court. Cormac McGuckin, aged 38 years old, pled guilty to charges including participating in a fraudulent. He also admitted possessing articles for use in fraud. He also pled guilty to charges of converting criminal property, possessing criminal property and transferring criminal property. On Friday he was sentenced to four years, half to be served in prison and half on licence. Maura McGuckin pled guilty to converting criminal property on holiday-related expenses and car payments and possessing criminal property. The 34-year-old was today sentenced to a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Sergeant Robinson said: “After we were contacted by Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), a lengthy and complex investigation was conducted by Mid Ulster Criminal Investigation Branch detectives, along with local uniform officers.

“This was a brazen operation that ran for several years and as though it was a legitimate, legal business. The proceeds of which were used for multiple vehicle loans for high-end car brands, while there were also various large payments on holiday-related expenses.”

A confiscation investigation has been conducted by Economic Crime Unit with a view to seizing the defendants’ available assets.  The amount to be confiscated will be determined at a future hearing.

Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive officer of FACT, said: “Today’s sentencing marks another victory in the ongoing battle against illegal streaming. This operation generated substantial profits at the expense of legitimate content owners, undermining the integrity of the creative industry.”

Sharp commended the PSNI for diligent efforts in a complex investigation.

Source: broadbandtvnews.com