The much-publicised piracy of South Pacific Pictures' hit film Sione's Wedding culminated yesterday with the conviction of Frederick Junior Higgins.

Higgins (39), a long-serving staff member at the post production house where the film was edited, was found guilty on charges of theft and distributing a copyrighted film at a defended hearing at Auckland District Court.

John Barnett, Chief Executive of South Pacific Pictures and Producer of Sione's Wedding, said: "The key determination by the judge was that being in possession of material without consent of the owner and enabling that material to be copied by others amounted to distribution – which resulted in the guilty verdict.

"The important message here is that this decision can be applied to anyone who's illegally in possession of any film or television programme and who contributes to its distribution to any other party.

"This will certainly make it a lot easier to prosecute anyone who pirates such programmes."

Mr Higgins will be sentenced on July 18.