A 23-YEAR-OL1D computer expert operating under the name "Slip Disc" sold thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit DVDs and CDs via the internet.

Blackburn magistrates heard that money was paid to Mohammed Esat via an internet payment account.

And when his Blackburn home was raided hundreds of discs and mailing lists along with copying devices and computer equipment were found in a back bedroom.

Jemma Jones, prosecuting, said trade mark infringement was a major problem, representing between five and seven per cent of world trade and costing the UK economy £9 million a year.

"We say that this operation, run from a house in Bridgemill Road was a professional one which had generated substantial sums of money through the unlawful sale of music and films."

Miss Jones revealed that in 2002 £22,861 was paid into Esat's internet account and £15,834 withdrawn. In the first five months of 2003 £14,963 was paid into the account.

Esat, who is now working for Tradewinds travel agents in Accrington as a reservations clerk, pleaded guilty to three offences of selling goods bearing a false trade mark, 11 offences of possessing goods with a false trade mark and one of possessing an article for making copies. The case was adjourned until January 10 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Miss Jones, prosecuting on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said trading standards officers had received information about the sale of counterfeit music and film DVDs.

Test purchases were made via the internet from a man identifying himself as Slip Disc before a search warrant executed was at Bridgemill Road.

"In a rear bedroom the investigators found large quantities of CDs and DVDs and clear evidence of copying and distribution of the same," said Miss Jones.

"There was a computer in the room and a number of e-mails had arrived which related to the purchase of films and music."

The council asked for £6,667 to cover the cost of the prosecution.

Paolo Passerini, defending, said Esat had left school with 11 GCSEs before going on to complete a diploma in commercial technology. He then went to Manchester University to study for a degree in computing.

He said Esat had started copying discs in his bedroom for himself and then moved on to passing them on to friends before selling them through the internet.

He said Esat, who has no previous convictions, uses the internet quite legitimately to sell mobile phone accessories.