The child, whose lucrative sideline was discovered by software piracy investigators, ran the scam from his bedroom in his parents' home in Sunderland.

The European Leisure Software Publishers Association (Elspa) was called in after bootlegged copies of top PC titles began appearing in large quantities at the boy's school in the north east of England.

Investigators followed the trail back to his house, where his parents were completely unaware of the roaring industry their son was running from his new personal computer and CD writer.

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In addition to samples worth £50 seized in local shops, Elspa found 200 games copied and ready for sale.

Director General of Elspa Roger Bennett said: "His father was extremely upset to find that an illegal and criminal activity was going on upstairs.

"I think his reaction rather ensured the boy won't be doing it again. At least not under that roof."

Elspa will not be pressing charges, despite software piracy becoming a "very huge problem" and increasingly the target of professional criminals.

"It's not really very sophisticated," said Mr Bennett.

"A CD writer can produce a perfect clone every time and can cost as little as £200. Speed is really the only factor."