TWO MEN who admitted defrauding BSkyB out of ?10,000 with a card network- sharing scam have both received eight-month suspended prison sentences.
Graham Hartley, 32, of Victoria Street, Torpoint, and 40-year-old Adam White, of Ferry Road, Plymouth were also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid community work.
Jo Martin, for the prosecution, told Truro Crown Court on Friday that the fraud involved a network run from Hartley's home to provide 'Dream Box' decoders, through which cheap satellite television could be obtained.
It had started with Hartley offering to assist his parents, but then snowballed to include friends, family and friends of friends.
It was estimated that in an eight-month period the loss to BSkyB amounted to ?10,000.
Judge Graham Cottle said the fraud was significant enough that the court needed to send out a message that people involved might well receive an immediate custodial sentence.
In mitigation, the court heard that the defendants were responsible, working, family men, and Judge Cottle imposed no financial penalty because of their relatively straitened circumstances.
The prison sentences were suspended for two years.
TV scam worth 10k | This is Cornwall
Graham Hartley, 32, of Victoria Street, Torpoint, and 40-year-old Adam White, of Ferry Road, Plymouth were also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid community work.
Jo Martin, for the prosecution, told Truro Crown Court on Friday that the fraud involved a network run from Hartley's home to provide 'Dream Box' decoders, through which cheap satellite television could be obtained.
It had started with Hartley offering to assist his parents, but then snowballed to include friends, family and friends of friends.
It was estimated that in an eight-month period the loss to BSkyB amounted to ?10,000.
Judge Graham Cottle said the fraud was significant enough that the court needed to send out a message that people involved might well receive an immediate custodial sentence.
In mitigation, the court heard that the defendants were responsible, working, family men, and Judge Cottle imposed no financial penalty because of their relatively straitened circumstances.
The prison sentences were suspended for two years.
TV scam worth 10k | This is Cornwall


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