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A man was starting a seven-year jail sentence today for masterminding a multi-million pound pornography business.

George Buchanan was described by a judge as the "central figure" in the business selling videos and DVDs in Brit-ain.

Buchanan, 60, fled to Belgium from his coastal home after the Metropolitan Police obscene publications squad launched a probe into the business.

He was running the business from Blankenberge, Belgium, before he was extradited back to this country, Chelmsford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Buchanan, formerly of Colne Way, Point Clear, was one of five men jailed after they all admitted conspiring to supply obscene material and conspiracy to launder money.

Judge Charles Gratwicke said the pornography was "revolting and disgusting".

He also said Buchanan was the "central figure" in the operation.

The court heard the operation netted nearly £2 million between 2005 and 2007.

None of the videos or DVDs involved children, the court heard.

The operation's cashiers - Malcolm Winter, 50, of Clun, Shropshire, and Michael Fowler, 52, of Attleborough, Norfolk, were each jailed for 21 months.

Printer Peter Fisher, 50, of Hornchurch, Essex, was jailed for 18 months. He printed brochures advertising DVDs. John Dormer, 56, of Bow, east London, received 12 months. He copied and distributed the tapes and DVDs, the court heard.

9:17am Friday 28th March 2008

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