He sold counterfeit DVDs

2:47pm Monday 12th May 2008

A man caught selling counterfeit DVDs in Rickmansworth High Street has been given a five month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Hui Zhong He, 32, was spotted flogging the goods by two police community support officers on April 10.

He of Colindale Avenue, London NW9, appeared at St Albans crown court today for sentence.

The court heard he had 170 counterfeit DVDs plus 14 unclassified pornographic DVDs.

David Chrimes prosecuting said He told officers he had been given the goods by a friend to sell and he was making between £30 and £40 a day.

Sean Smith defending said his client had pleaded guilty at an early stage and described him as being at the bottom of a long supply chain.

Recorder Colin Colston said He was in the UK illegally and therefore not entitled to work legitimately.

Mr Smith said the defendant had fled to this country from China after his land and home had been taken off him by the government.

Passing sentence Recorder Colston said He must, in addition to the suspended sentence, carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

The Recorder ordered that the DVD's be destroyed.

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