First Conviction for Illegal Music File Sharing in Scotland

A Scottish woman has been convicted for illegally sharing music files online.

Anne Muir, 58, from Ayr, pleaded guilty under section 107(1)(e) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The conviction follows an investigation by both the British Recorded Music Industry (BPI) and International Federation for the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). This led to a formal complaint being made to Strathclyde Police. Officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for her home and seized vital evidence, including computer equipment.

Following the conviction, which will result in sentencing on 31 May 2011 at Ayr Sheriff Court, prosecutor Mirian Watson said: “Intelligence gathered by BPI and IFPI revealed that Anne Muir was a prolific user of a particular file sharing network based in the UK.

“Illegally flouting copyright laws is tantamount to theft and not only deprives legitimate companies and artists of earnings, but also undermines the music industry as a whole.

"We will continue to work effectively with law enforcement in this area and to apply our robust prosecution policy."

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service News Release

Update: Anne Muir was sentenced on 31 May 2011 to three years’ probation and has been ordered to attend mandatory cognitive therapy treatment sessions for obsessive compulsive disorder. Ms Muir is to return to court on Tuesday 30th August for a probation report.