THE jailing of a man who sold bootleg DVDs for the Chinese triads shines the light of truth on a controversial subject.

For many years, politicians and law enforcers have said organised crime is at the root of much of this trade.

Sceptics, on the other hand, have suggested such claims were simply made up by an entertainment industry anxious not to lose revenue.

However, if what Swindon Magistrates' Court heard is anything to go by, the grip of organised crime is strong, and the only way that grip can be broken is for the public at large to shun its merchandise.

Quite apart from this, we should never forget that a bootlegged film is a stolen film.

Owning or watching one is morally no different from shoplifting or walking into a stranger's home and stealing their property.

Let us hope that those higher up in the bootleg food chain are soon brought before our courts.