Archive Trading Standards Press Release

17.10.05

Counterfeit goods prosecution and seizure

On 13th October 2005 at Wrexham Magistrates Court, Claire Louise Hardy of 5 Regents Close, Vicars Cross, Chester was sentenced to a 70 hours Community Order and a 12 months Rehabilitation Order for selling and having counterfeit DVDs in her possession for sale.

Trading Standards Officers made a test purchase from her at a car boot sale and then seized more DVDs from her car and from her home. A computer suspected of having been used in the production of the DVDs was also seized. The Court granted a forfeiture and destruction order for items seized, including the computer. Hardy was also ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs.

Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer Andy Lewis says "Trading Standards Officers in Wrexham have seized large quantities of counterfeit goods during the past two years and this is the latest case to be heard by the Courts. People dealing in counterfeit goods should be aware that as well as being prosecuted, they also risk losing equipment such as computers used in the production of the goods. Our officers are continuing to take action when counterfeit goods are found. Last weekend over 350 counterfeit DVDs were seized from a car boot sale in Wrexham and the stall holder now faces prosecution".

For further information contact Kevin Jones Senior Trading standards Officer - Commerce 01978 296060.