Redditch man convicted of selling counterfeit football kits - The Redditch Standard

Redditch man convicted of selling counterfeit football kits

Redditch Editorial 20th Sep, 2019   0

A REDDITCH man has been convicted of selling fake football kits on social media.

Stuart Young, 44, was investigated and prosecuted by Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards.

Young pleaded guilty to eight offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

After a raid on his home, 155 items of fake branded clothing, mainly adult football shirts and junior football kits, were discovered.




The merchandise included England, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal football kits.


There were also counterfeit strips for several major European teams, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

The total estimated high street value of the seizure was over £9,500.

The court heard this was not simply a hobby, there was evidence Young was selling the counterfeit goods on the internet and at markets.

Young was sentenced to a 12-month community order and was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work.

He also has to pay costs and a victim surcharge of £1,485.

Worcestershire County Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities, said: “This is not a victimless crime – it damages legitimate Worcestershire businesses and the interests of those who own the intellectual property rights of the trade marks which are being copied.

“We urge the public not to buy counterfeit goods.

“Producers of these fake items are often involved in other serious crime and money laundering.”

She vowed the authority’s Trading Standards officers would continue to investigate those who choose to supply fakes in Worcestershire, whether it be at markets or online.

 

“They will have no hesitation in prosecuting those who harm Worcestershire’s economy,” added Coun Hodgson.

Anyone with any information about the sale of counterfeit goods should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

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