A Yorkshire-based DJ has been handed a 26-month suspended sentence for selling bootleg remix CDs online, following a multi-year investigation into copyright infringement.
Mark Kearns of East Cowick has been sentenced to 26 months in prison (suspended for 18 months) and ordered to pay £21,000. He was charged with copyright violations after selling remix CDs compiled without artist or label permission.
The case stems from a 2018 investigation by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and Trading Standards. Investigators claim the sales generated over £220,000 during a five-year period.
Kearns must also complete 250 hours of community service. Local officials stated the prosecution serves as a warning against the commercial exploitation of protected sound recordings.