A market trader from Wolverhampton has pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit Nike trainers at a market in Filton.
Surinder Singh, 40, of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, appeared at Northavon Magistrates’ Court on 5th October and pleaded guilty to 10 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for possessing the counterfeit footwear for sale. He also asked for similar offences relating to 143 further pairs of counterfeit Nike trainers to be taken into consideration.
Singh, who trades as S S Clare Shoes, was prosecuted as a result of a case brought by South Gloucestershire trading standards, whose officers targeted a market held at Filton Sport & Leisure Centre in December 2009.
Singh had been seen by a trading standards officer selling counterfeit Nike trainers at the market site on previous occasions during late 2009. His stall was targeted along with those of other sellers of suspected counterfeit products when the market was raided on 5th December by Police, trading standards and trade mark representatives. A total of 153 pairs of counterfeit Nike trainers were detained from Singh and he was arrested.
Sentencing will take place at Bristol Crown Court where the case is next due to be heard on 2nd November 2010. The court is also likely to make a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act and order him to repay any income he has derived from sales of counterfeit goods.
Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “This prosecution, and others that have recently been brought, should stand as a warning to people who may be tempted by to try and earn a living from selling counterfeit goods in South Gloucestershire – not only could they be handed a criminal conviction, but may also end up having to pay back thousands of pounds under a confiscation order.”
Mark Pullin, trading standards and licensing manager, said: “We are delighted at the outcome of the case and pleased that Singh has readily accepted his guilt. Supplying counterfeit goods can have an adverse impact on the economy, both nationally and locally and also on the livelihoods of all those who are legitimately trading and who are being constantly undermined by such activity.”
Anyone wishing to report sales of counterfeit goods can do so in strictest confidence by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
