A man has been jailed for helping thousands of people to view the most popular TV channels without paying for them,
Stephen Millington, enabled people to watch premium film and television such as BT Sport, Sky and Netflix by creating his own software platform.
The 42-year-old appeared at court yesterday after pleading guilty to multiple fraud and copyright offences.
Millington was charged with making and supplying software to enable illegal access to subscription content, distributing infringing film content via a dedicated server he controlled, sharing login credentials for subscription streaming services and illegally accessing content for his own use.
The judge sentenced Millington to 30 months in prison for his crimes.
Judge Patrick Thompson, who presided over the hearing in Cheshire Court, said: “When looking at loss in these types of cases you need to consider not only the companies that create and produce the content but also the loss to those who legitimately pay to subscribe.
“There was sophistication in the way he created the build, clearly planned and it was also clear from the evidence that from his activities, thousands of users were provided with access to illicit content.”
Millington, from Winsford, was the creator of software package ‘stephen-builds’ which allowed people to watch premium subscription television and film content without paying, according to Liverpool Echo.
Millington supplied details of the ‘Supremacy’ and ‘Supremacy Sports’ add-ons, which enabled users to watch content through a Facebook group he set up.
He also created multiple YouTube videos which helped users install the software and add-ons . He also showcased his piracy skills.
Millington shared login details for Netflix, allowing others to access his account for free.
Inspector Chris McClellan from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “We welcome today’s sentencing and hope this sends a clear message. We will continue to work together with our partners to take robust action against those who commit fraud and copyright offences for their own criminal gain.”
Kieron Sharp from intellectual property protection organisation FAC T said: “Enabling illegal access to content is fraud; a crime with serious consequences, as shown in this sentencing. It is now clear that the courts will hold those choosing to break the law to account, and will deliver convictions that will have a significant and long-lasting effect on individuals involved.
“We thank the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Greater Manchester Police and our members BT and Virgin Media for their work and support.
“FACT will continue to monitor channels used to advertise, market, sell and distribute software, add-ons, devices and streams to take action against suppliers and operators.”
Richard Crisp, Corporate Investigations Manager at BT, said: “Our Anti-Piracy Team regularly carries out investigations against illegal app developers and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) suppliers.
"The development of add-ons that carry unauthorised channels causes a significant loss of revenue for the UK creative industries. BT will continue to work with FACT and wider industry partners to prosecute developers enabling this illegal distribution.”
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “Piracy costs our customers and the creative industries millions of pounds every year.
“We take this criminal behaviour very seriously and support action which prevents the illegal distribution of copyrighted content.”
