A DVD pirate has been caught downloading and selling copies of unreleased films on Facebook to fund his gambling problem.

Stuart John Friend, of Hayley Road, Lancing, sold the fake copies of movies on social media after using two computers at his home to copy films unlawfully.

Friend, 41, was caught after West Sussex Trading Standards officers bought four of his bogus DVDs in a sting operation and he was handed a suspended eight month jail sentence.

District Judge Ashworth heard that Friend carried out the scam operation to help fund his gambling problem.

Judge Ashworth was also told the accused had a number of previous convictions for which he had completed unpaid work.

Richard Sargeant, team manager for Trading Standards, said: “Illegally downloading unreleased films and selling them is a serious crime.

“It has a massive impact on small, local businesses that are trading legally and paying their proper taxes. They are legitimate traders who are supplying customers with real DVDs rather than fakes.”

Judge Ashworth said he noted the seriousness of the offending, plus Friend’s history of previous offending of theft and assault.

He imposed a suspended sentence due to Friend's guilty plea.

On top of the suspended sentence, Friend was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay costs of £2178.

David Barling, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said: “Behind every fake DVD that is sold there is someone who has been robbed of their money. They will receive a DVD that has not only been illegally made, but is also very poor quality.

“I urge people not to take chances this Christmas in an attempt to save money. Buy from a reputable dealer or there’s a very good chance your will lose out in the end.”

Judge Ashworth also ordered the destruction of the the DVD and all other equipment connected with the scam.