A WOMAN who sold pirate DVDs was caught when she sent advertising for her illegal cottage industry to a police officer.

Michelle Graver, 45, made counterfeit copies of films, computer games and music discs in the front room of her home in Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, County Durham.

She advertised openly over the Internet, using her own name and address, and a copyright disclaimer.

Durham Crown Court heard that she was caught after a spam e-mail featuring her advert was received by a police officer.

It resulted in a search of her home in April last year and yesterday she was jailed for six months.

Samantha Hatt, prosecuting, said three computer systems, which included programmes to copy DVDs and CDs, were seized in the search of Graver's home.

A total of 2,818 discs were recovered, of which 2,288 were copies of films.

Asked by Judge Beatrice Bolton of the potential loss to the film, music and computer game industries, Ms Hatt said it was difficult to quantify, but it could amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

But defence barrister Emma Gough claimed Graver only made £5,000 from her activities.

Miss Gough said: "She's a lady of 45, of previous good character, and began copying discs for family and friends. Before long, she found herself in the midst of a cottage industry, at a time she was unable to work due to ill health.

"It was by way of making pocket money, but she was not out for every penny she could get, she didn't claim any benefits during that period."

Graver, the mother of a 13-year-old daughter, admitted 16 charges brought by the Federation Against Copyright Theft.

Jailing Graver, Judge Beatrice Bolton, said the "ripple effect" of such activities affected everyone from the artists down to the people who sold genuine DVDs and CDs in the community