Into the pop courts' criminal division, and promoters of the V Festival this weekend welcomed the fining of a man who was found in possession of eight fake wristbands for their 2005 event.
Spencer Cottol pleaded guilty to possessing the fake wristbands at Chelmsford Crown Court last week and was ordered to pay a £2000 fine as well as to undertake 100 hours of unpaid community service work. He will also be placed under the supervision of a probation officer for 12 months.
Promoters of both the V Festival and other major music events will hope the sentence will deter some of the touts planning to sell fake tickets to this year's festivals, while boosting the police's power in stop them.
V Festival Director Bob Angus told reporters: "We are delighted with today's ruling as it is a significant step to stamp out the people that spoil the festival for everyone else. We do not approve of the production of fake wristbands and fully support the police with any plans to clamp down on people that produce them. This year's V Festival has sold out but as ever, we urge people not to buy from unofficial outlets as it may well lead to disappointment."