Bognor Regis counterfeit seller found with thousands of fake goods

A Bognor man who was found with £18,000 worth of fake rock band goods has been sentenced SUS-200707-125713001

Gary Michael Warren, 64, was taken to court by West Sussex Trading Standards after 1,943 hoodies and t-shirts were seized at his home in Barn Lane, Shripney.

According to West Sussex County Council, its trading standards team first became aware of Warren in November 2018 when they were contacted by a trade mark holder, who complained that a website, operated by Warren, was selling counterfeit rock bank t-shirts.

A spokesperson said: “Officers made some test purchases and the items were confirmed to be in breach of the Trade Marks Act.

A Bognor man who was found with £18,000 worth of fake rock band goods has been sentenced SUS-200707-125725001

“Warren’s home address was searched and 1,943 hoodies and t-shirts were seized. They had a retail value of more than £18,000.”

Warren pleaded guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 130 hours of unpaid work, the county council revealed.

West Sussex Trading Standards were awarded ‘full costs’ of £5,445, whilst Warren forfeited the items seized, which will now be recycled.

Richard Sargeant, trading standards team manager, said: “Selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime. As well as deceiving innocent customers it also takes business away from legitimate traders.

“We are determined to put a stop to counterfeit selling in West Sussex.”

Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for environment, said residents concerned about the sale of fake, counterfeit products should contact the trading standards team.

She added: “This outcome sends a strong message that we will take action against dishonest traders.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of an unfair trading practice, should call 03444 111 444.

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