CD's were amongst the counterfeit items seized

Detective Constable Thomas Alexander Hill even set up his own website where he advertised the merchandise for sale.

He was caught after an investigator from a copyright society ordered merchandise from his internet site and tipped off Conwy council's trading standards department.

The 31-year-old from Abergele escaped a prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to six offences under the trademark and copyright acts.

North Wales Police's Assistant Chief Constable Clive Wolfendale said Hill would be appearing before a disciplinary panel.

As a serving police officer you should have known better Joanne Davies magistrate

"He would face disciplinary charges for criminal conduct and any other offences that come to light," he said.

"He will be entitled to representation at the time."

Flintshire magistrates heard Hill could have made a lot of money from the deal but it was "nipped in the bud" and only 12 items were recorded as being sold.

Fining him �1,500 with �985 costs, chair of the bench Joanne Davies told Hill: "As a serving police officer you should have known better."

She added: "I hope this serves as a lesson to you in the future."

Warrant

Hill left the court without making any comment.

Prosecuting solicitor Stuart Dunn, acting on behalf of Conwy Trading Standards Department, told the court that Hill was caught after the investigator Adam Cronin ordered merchandise.

They were delivered to a drop address where they were examined and found to be counterfeit.

A warrant was executed and his home was searched.

Officers seized two computer towers and 1,700 items.

Hill had worked for PC World before becoming a police officer in 1996 and had an interest in the internet and information technology.

His solicitor, Nicholas Holroyd, said the consequences of the case would have a devastating effect on his client's career.