A market stallholder has been handed a 12-month community order after he was found attempting to sell counterfeit clothing with a street value of more than £40,000.
Solihull Council successfully prosecuted 51-year-old Narendra Goodman Pun at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday 29 September.
Pun, who is director of Narendra Albert UK Ltd – which trades as Violets Collection – pleaded guilty to nine counts of unauthorised use of a trademark.
The offences came to light after Trading Standards received a report that Pun was selling counterfeit goods at an externally organised Christmas market in the town centre in December last year.
Officers seized 386 items of counterfeit clothing for well-known trademarks including Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger and Arctic Monkeys, and worked with brand holders who confirmed the items were fake goods.
Cllr Wazma Qais, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“Selling counterfeit goods is a serious criminal offence. It damages legitimate businesses, undermines fair trading and puts consumers at risk of purchasing poor-quality and unsafe products.
"This case is an important reminder that we take reports of counterfeit trading seriously and will act where concerns are raised and reported. We are committed to tackling this issue and will continue to support firm and appropriate action against those who sell counterfeit goods.
"If you have any concerns about a business selling illegal and dangerous products, you can contact our team by calling Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.”