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Console Hacker Sentenced
A man who profited from the pirate video games market by modifying Nintendo Wiis, Microsoft Xboxes and other consoles was sentenced today in the first case of its kind in Leicestershire.
Thomas Norwood, 40-year-old director of Modchip Fitters Ltd, imported, advertised and sold special electronic cards that allowed people to use pirated games when the cards were fitted to their consoles.
He had been operating a website advertising these illegal services and supplied hundreds of customers in the UK and elsewhere. He also traded with companies around the world. During 2008 Leicestershire Trading Standards Service seized almost £60,000 worth of software and hardware as a result of his illegal trading activities.
Norwood was sentenced by Leicester Crown Court to a 12 month Community Order and a 2 month Curfew Order (7pm-7am) There is also to be a Proceeds of Crime hearing at a later date. He pleaded guilty to the offences at Leicester Crown Court on the 9th November 2010.
David Bull, Head of Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service, said: This type of crime is becoming more common and is a serious threat to legitimate businesses. Consumers who have had their games consoles chipped, modified or flashed are likely to have their game’s consoles disabled without notice when they operate it on line as a result of legitimate action taken by the equipment manufacturers”
For further details, please contact the Communications Department on 0116 305 7046 or Caroline North on 0116 305 6568.
