Guns N’ Roses pirate gets probation

A blogger who posted nine songs from the newest Guns N’ Roses album pleaded guilty to copyright infringement and was sentenced to two months home confinement and one year of probation.

Specifically, Kevin Cogill, 28, pleaded guilty in December of violating federal copyright laws, then agreed to help track down who gave him the songs.  He originally faced one year in prison, five years probation and up to $100,000 fine.  He originally pleaded not guilty to the charge, but prosecutors offered a deal in which both sides obviously benefit.

In December, CDFreaks covered the news when Cogill posted the following message on his personal web site:

"So remember when we let you guys listen to some (allegedly, ha) new Guns N’ Roses songs we got our hands on?" he asked visitors as he taunted the FBI last year."Well, either way the FBI sure does.  They’ve been investigating and talking to me about that event ever since.  If there are any lawyers out there horny for some high-profile copyright law battle, drop us a line."

He changed his tune during his sentencing earlier in the week, stating he "never intended to hurt the artist. I intended to promote the artist because I’m a fan."

During his two-month home confinement, Cogill, who is a Web developer, will still have access to the Internet, with other details being worked out between Cogill’s attorney and the D.A.

Cogill, who faced harsher penalties for leaking the unreleased tracks, must also appear in a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) anti-piracy commercial.  His commercial will air on Jan. 31 during the Grammy Awards, and will also be posted on the Internet.