Man awaits sentence over pirated Michael Jackson CDs

A south Auckland store owner caught selling counterfeit Michael Jackson CDs will be sentenced next month.

Robin Sazeel Hassan, 30, was arrested for selling pirated copies of Michael Jackson CDs following a police raid on his Manurewa store on September 30 2009.

About 20 Michael Jackson and Eminem CDs believed to contain pirated material were seized, as well as a computer with optical disc burning capabilities.

He pleaded guilty in Manukau District Court to selling the counterfeit CDs and remanded for sentence on May 12.

The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) said today "pirate CD sellers are thieves".

"Not only are they stealing from artists and songwriters, they are also taking sales from legitimate CD retailers and removing cash flow for reinvestment in NZ music."

The penalty for offending is for a fine up to $150,000 and or up to five years imprisonment per offence.

RIANZ has recently launched a Report Music Piracy website where the public can submit music piracy concerns.

- NZPA