An internet pirate who illegally posted an unfinished version of action blockbuster The Hulk on the internet just weeks prior to its release has been sentenced by a New York court.

Kerry Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the copyright offence and was sentenced to six months home confinement, three years probation and fined $2,000 (£1,200). The court also ordered him to pay $5,000 in restitution to Universal, the company that produced and distributed the film.

In issuing the sentence, Judge Gerard Lynch of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York said that uploading films to the internet constituted a crime in the same way as physically stealing DVDs from a shop.

"This outcome sends a strong message to anyone who steals or abuses intellectual property by uploading or downloading it on the internet," said Karen Randall, general counsel for Vivendi Universal Entertainment.

"In addition to home confinement, financial restitution and probation, Gonzalez pled guilty to a felony that will remain on his permanent record and undoubtedly have a profound effect on the rest of his life."

Jack Valenti, president and chief executive of the Motion Picture Association of America, added: "This sentencing makes clear that there are serious and permanent consequences for those who steal motion pictures.

"This should also puncture the myth that illegal activity on the internet is 'safe' because it is untraceable."