Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting supplying modified Fire Sticks and apps used to access subscription content illegally

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted a series of piracy offences said to have caused an estimated £6m loss to digital content providers including Amazon Prime, BT Sport and Sky.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Michael David Barrow, 48, operated over a five-year period, supplying adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks and apps that allowed customers to access paid television services without paying the usual subscription fees.

Prosecuting on behalf of the FA Premier League, Ari Alibhai KC told District Judge Mark Layton that the offending took place between October 2019 and February 2024.

“The offences concern the operation and supply of what is collectively termed a streaming service,” he said.

“This involved hardware such as Fire Sticks, but also app-based services to enable customers to access paid television services such as Sky, BT Sport and online videos which would normally attract a subscription fee, thus enabling customers to bypass the cost.”

The court heard that Barrow’s customer base was not limited to Pembrokeshire, but extended across the UK.

“According to Snap, he had around 1,800 users and was paid in cash as well as through PayPal,” said Mr Alibhai.

“It’s estimated that the defendant received approximately £213,000 while the scale of potential loss to the broadcasters is around £6m. This is not an exact sum, but it is indicative of the effects that this kind of piracy has.”

The prosecution said an aggravating feature of the case was that Barrow had previously been warned about his activities.

In 2021, he was sent a cease and desist notice telling him to stop supplying the illegal services.

“The notice indicated, in black and white, the potential consequences,” Mr Alibhai said. “He failed to respond.”

Barrow pleaded guilty to making and supplying applications, apps and other electronic data enabling access to paid television content without appropriate payment being made; supplying apps and other electronic data enabling access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made; and supplying Amazon Fire TV sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made.

Given the seriousness of the offences, Judge Layton declined jurisdiction.

Barrow will now be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (May 12). He was released on unconditional bail.

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Force highlights scale of problem during awareness week as victims urged to report every incident

DYFED-POWYS POLICE recorded 625 instances of stalking over the past year, as the force highlights the serious and often hidden impact of the crime.

Marking the start of Stalking Awareness Week, new figures show the control room receives on average between one and two calls a day reporting stalking behaviour.

Through a social media campaign running this week, the force is raising awareness of the warning signs of stalking, its impact on victims, and where people can seek help and support.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Katie Cuthbertson said: “One of our force priorities is to ensure a compassionate response to victims of stalking, as we recognise the devastating impact it can have on someone’s life.

“It is incredibly important that anyone who reports being stalked is supported throughout an investigation, and that we consider all measures to safeguard them while enquiries are carried out.

“Anyone can become a victim of stalking. While many victims are targeted by former partners, perpetrators can also be acquaintances or even strangers with no prior connection.”

She added: “Stalking remains a widely misunderstood crime, and we are using this week to educate our communities about how serious it can be.”

Since Stalking Awareness Week 2025, the force has also secured 15 interim or full Stalking Protection Orders through the courts.

Police say multiple reports can often relate to the same victim and perpetrator, as stalking is defined by fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour.

Victims are urged to report every incident to help officers build a full picture and identify any escalation in behaviour.

T/DCI Cuthbertson said: “Stalking behaviours can appear innocuous, from leaving gifts or flowers to sending repeated messages, which can make it difficult for victims to explain to others why they feel frightened.

“The true risk is often masked by what appears to be low-level behaviour, but stalking is considered a high-risk crime.”