A trader caught with fake designer goods and toys from Apple AirPods to Zepter knife sets has been fined nearly £4,000.
Darren Spendlove, 47, of Liskeard Close, Runcorn, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of possessing counterfeit stock and one of offering an item for sale with a fake logo at North Cheshire Magistrates' Court in Warrington on Wednesday, April 12. The charges related to the sale of products ranging from bogus-branded Zepter knife sets, PlayStation controllers, Apple AirPods and Samsung ear buds, to LOL Surprise cosmetics and bowling sets plus LOL Surprise slime, Team Beachbody Day Fix fitness kits, and Chanel ornaments.
Trading out of the Discount Outlet shop unit on Victoria Road in Widnes, Spendlove also operated via a "Designer Outlet Widnes" account on Facebook. A spokesperson for Halton Trading Standards, part of Halton Borough Council, said investigators were particularly concerned over the toy sales, and "swiftly acted" following information from the public.
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Trading Standards officers visited the shop three times in November 2021 and June 2022 and seized counterfeit goods each time.
In total they removed 186 high-value items and designer goods valued at more than £30,000.
Court papers said Spendlove indicated guilty pleas to 11 counts in total connected to counterfeit goods.
Halton Trading Standards said Spendlove had no previous convictions for counterfeit sales, and the 47-year-old was fined £3,806, and ordered to pay costs of £1,170 plus a victim surcharge of £35, totalling £5,011.
The chair of the bench noted the repeated incidents and the previous warnings issued by Trading Standards when sentencing.
A Halton Trading Standards spokesperson said: "Of particular concern in this case were counterfeit LOL toys being sold by the trader.
"Counterfeiters generally do not comply with safety standards and neither do they carry out quality checks on the goods they produce.
"When it comes to counterfeit children’s toys they could be made with toxic products, or with small parts which are not affixed properly and could result in a choking hazard.
"As such we would urge parents to be extra vigilant when buying toys for their children and question the authenticity of the toys especially if they appear cheaper than normal.”
She added that Halton Trading Standards will continue to target traders whether they sell via the high street or online such as via Facebook.
Sellers have been warned they will face enforcement action when caught and risk having their computers, mobile phones and vehicles seized, as well as damage to their employment prospects and reputation.
The spokesperson said: “We have a duty to protect the residents of Halton and the health of all of its residents and so it is important that we prosecute those involved in the supply of counterfeit goods, like Darren Spendlove.
"Hopefully this case sends out a clear message to these criminals that our Trading Standards Service is coming for them.
"It should not be forgotten that as well as a financial penalty, this individual will have to deal with the stigma and impact of a criminal record for many years to come.”
Anyone with any information involving the sale of counterfeit goods should report it, anonymously if desired, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Residents with information relating to the sale of illicit cigarettes or alcohol should telephone the Halton Trading Standards alcohol and tobacco hotline on 0151 511 8787.
Other trading standards matters can be reported in the usual manner by contacting 0808 223 1133.
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