Couple convicted of streaming fraud

A Co Londonderry man who made almost £500,000 selling illegal TV sports streaming services has been jailed for two years.

Cormac McGuckin, 38, of The Meadows in Bellaghy, will remain on license for a further two years.

His wife, Maura McGuckin, 34, was given a 12-month suspended sentence for possessing criminal property.

The couple appeared at Omagh Crown Court last month after admitting the offences.

The court was told that you had led a lavish lifestyle, owned top quality cars and taken expensive holidays.

Cormac McGuckin admitted 10 charges of fraud in connection with an illegal streaming service that gave around 2,000 people access to Sky Sports and BT Sports between 2016 and 2020.

Judge Philip Babington read from the reports in which Cormac McGuckin said he “did not believe he did anything wrong” and considered it “a victimless crime”.

“Your motives were purely financial and you made a lot of money,” he said.

The judge said Cormac McGuckin had 23 previous convictions for dishonesty, including theft and fraud.

McGuckin cried as he was led from the dock after his sentencing.

The judge then convicted Maura McGuckin, who claimed she did not know what her husband was doing was illegal.

But Judge Babington said she was “willing to turn a blind eye as long as no one came knocking”.

She was sentenced to twelve months, of which two years were conditional.

“I am convinced that you sat back and took advantage of your husband’s dishonesty,” the judge told her.

“You are before this court because of his actions.”

Police have welcomed the sentences, describing the fraud as a brazen operation.

Detective Sergeant Robinson said: “This is not a victimless crime as these types of operations have a direct impact on businesses and consumers and our message to everyone involved in these types of crimes is that it will not be tolerated. police will investigate.

“Users and subscribers of illegal services should also be aware that they too are committing a criminal offense for which they can be identified and prosecuted.

“It is no surprise that those offering illegal streaming are not concerned about your private information, including banking information. The software and devices used to stream the images can be used to collect personal data. That ‘cheap subscription’ could end up costing you a lot of money, even a lot.”

A confiscation investigation was conducted with the aim of seizing the available assets of the suspects.

The amount to be confiscated will be determined at a future hearing.