A Notts man has been convicted of illegally recording newly-released films at Nottingham Cineworld and posting them online.
Shaun Patrick Forry was the subject of a joint operation between the police and copyright and film officials.
Investigators came across two films, American Ultra and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, which were illegally recorded at Cineworld in the Corner House in September 2015.
A search at Forry’s home in George Street, Hucknall, discovered a computer that showed the 34-year-old had illegally distributed in excess of 670 films online since August 2013, including some while on police bail.
Forry admitted two counts of the possession of articles for use in fraud and one count of distributing copyrighted films.
He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday to an 18-month community order plus 150 hours of unpaid work.
Simon Brown, director of the Film Content Protection Agency, said: “This is a highly significant case concerning the illegal recording of films belonging to two UK film distributors, followed by the release of those films online.
“Over 90 per cent of pirated films originate from a copy recorded during a public performance in cinemas worldwide, so it’s vital that offenders like Mr Forry are identified and arrested promptly to prevent further damage to our film industry.
“Piracy not only costs the film industry millions of pounds but can also affect thousands of jobs, so we welcome this conviction.”