News

Milford DVD counterfeiter escapes jail sentence

Published

10 years ago

September 2, 2014

dvds A MAN who was found guilty of manufacturing counterfeit DVDs narrowly missed being put into custody for contempt of on Monday (Sept 1).
Damian John Hill, also known as ‘Nesbitt’, of Observatory Avenue, Hakin, pleaded not guilty to the eleven charges, but admitted that he did know how to make copies of counterfeit DVDs. But his shouting and questioning of the prosecutor left the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court unamused.
CPS prosecutor, Jeff Harris said: “The charge related to 440 DVDs that were taken from his home address on April 23. 123 DVDs out of the 440 were examined and 64 were found to have been burned onto disc from a computer, with the sleeves printed out and put on them. The 11 offences resemble the different trade mark symbols. DVDs had been downloaded legally, but any further copying is illegal.”
Mr Harris added: “The prosecution say that by printing off the Disney, Dreamworks, and Universal logos he breached legislation and the defendant was seeking to make a gain. As well as the DVDs, three laptops, three PC towers, a colour printer and a guillotine were seized. There is also evidence that some DVDs were burned to disc from Hill’s personal computer”.
A defiant Hill told the court: “I fail to see the offence I’ve committed. I bought the DVDs from Freddie X who proactively sells DVDs on Facebook. I bought them in a box and there were duplicates in there I said I’d have whatever he’s got left because I wanted the cases, not the DVDs themselves. I wanted the cases because I’ve done lots of wedding videos for people and I need the cases because you can’t get them in the shops and it makes them look better.”
He added: “I did not apply any trade mark stickers and I didn’t make the DVDs they didn’t go through my computer”.
Hill continued: “I’d know how to put a DVD onto disc. There’s plenty of ways you can do it. I have made copies of DVDs before I made a copy of Dirty Dancing because my daughter had ruined the disc and I burned another one”.
The court heard how Hill had received a caution in 2003 for exactly the same offence. When this was put to him by Mr Harris, Hill shouted: “I didn’t make those DVDs, and you’re saying I did so you’re the liar”.
Mr Harris continued: “Of the DVDs, 64 were found to have emanated from your computer. By copying a DVD you have deprived the companies by revenue”.
Hill shouted: “No, I pay for my DVDs”. When asked if he had any evidence of this, he said “Have you any evidence I haven’t paid for them?”
The magistrate reminded Hill that by shouting he runs the risk of contempt of court, saying: “We don’t want to put you in prison and I am bending over backwards to help you here. You don’t have a right to question the prosecutor”.
Hill was fined £195 with prosecution costs of £800. He was ordered to pay £20 towards the victims of crime. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction for Hills DVDs and computer equipment.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.