Banknote forger given copier ban

John Bennett admitted 14 counts relating to the production of fake notes

A serial forger has been sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from owning a photocopier.

John Bennett, 52, ran a counterfeiting operation from his home in Oakenshaw, near Crook in County Durham.

Durham Crown Court heard that he was responsible for making at least £70,000 in fake £20 notes.

On his release from prison he will be banned for five years from owning printing or scanning equipment, high quality paper, metal foil or inks.

He must also tell police about the premises he visits, and allow officers access to his home to carry out checks.

You are clearly a determined counterfeiter, one not without talent Judge Peter Armstrong

Judge Peter Armstrong imposed a Serious Crime Prevention Order under the Serious Crime Act 2007.

It it the first time that it has been used outside London.

The court heard that Bennett had carried on forging after serving four years for similar offences in 2002.

Following his arrest in 2007 after fake notes were found in local shops, he was bailed, but then arrested twice more for committing further offences.

Bennett pleaded guilty to 14 counts relating to the production of counterfeit notes.

Judge Armstrong said: "You are clearly a determined counterfeiter, one not without talent, as the quality of the notes is described as good.

"Unfortunately for you, that makes the matter more serious."

Outside court, Det Insp Ian Sturrock said: "It was apparent that Bennett was working alone from his home address, yet clearly the value of the counterfeit notes suggests that he had numerous contacts throughout the region and beyond."