Suspended prison sentence for selling Kodi boxes with illegal software

[Len]

A man who made more than £300k selling Kodi boxes with illegal software has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

The TV streaming boxes were imported from China by Daniel David Brown who then installed the software and sold them on.

A court was told about how much of a financial loss media companies would have lost through cancelled subscriptions and the avoidance of pay-to-view fees from people using the illegal devices.

The prosecution comes at a time when there is some confusion as to whether Kodi is legal or not.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Brown's crime was uncovered after media giant Sky made a complaint to South Wales Police about breach of copyright.

There followed a joint investigation with Swansea Council.

Brown's venture was highly successful. From his home in Llansamlet, Wales, he sold the Kodi boxes and helped his customers access subscription channels without having to pay, reports Wales Online.

Maiz Box Ltd, Brown's business, had revenues of £371,000 between June 2014 and March 2016.

The court heard that he was of previously good character.

Lee Reynolds, prosecuting, said that Brown imported the Android boxes from China before installing the software and selling the boxes through Facebook. He also offered customers and after-sales service.

Judge Peter Heywood said Brown was "industrious but misguided in some ways" and was "clearly skilled in the use of computer technology".

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

Brown agreed to pay Swansea Council £19,996.08 towards the cost of the prosecution so no orders were made under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He will pay the sum at a rate of £800 per month.

The general public are often unsure about the legality of Kodi boxes. The device allows people to watch pay-per-view films and sport on the cheap but there is the risk that using one illegally could land you in jail.