THE man behind a video-pirating operation that produced hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit goods killed himself on the day that he learned he was to face trial, a court was told.

Paul Candler, 33, of Roker Avenue, Sunderland, committed suicide between May 6 and 7, after police and trading standards officers smashed his video pirating scam, a judge at Newcastle Crown Court was told.

The raid uncovered hundreds of counterfeit CDs and DVDs at Candler's home.

One of Candler's "foot soldiers", pirate video producer Stuart Potter, 38, of St Peter's View, Sunderland, admitted producing films and music for Candler. He also admitted 11 charges of piracy under the trade marks and video recording acts.

In one of the biggest anti-video piracy swoops carried out in Sunderland, Potter was caught with £117,500-worth of counterfeit CDs, DVDs, and videos plus production equipment.

Judge David Wood heard that Potter used computer technology to mass produce the pirate goods, sold through mail order and at car boot sales.

But Richard Bennett, prosecuting, said Potter was merely a "foot soldier" in a larger operation masterminded by Candler.

In mitigation, Stephen Grattage said Potter had agreed to give evidence against Candler, and felt responsible for Candler's subsequent suicide.

For each offence, Potter was sentenced to 12 months jail, to run concurrently, suspended for two years.

The Judge ordered the counterfeit goods and copying equipment be confiscated and destroyed. There was no order for costs.