Community sentence for market trader

Harjit Talwar (47) of Gerard Street, Derby, was caught with 173 items of counterfeit clothing last May during an inspection by trading standards officers from Nottinghamshire County Council.

This followed trading standards officers purchasing counterfeit clothing from Mr Talwar’s stall in April following a report from Thoresby Market organisers.

He pleaded guilty to six charges under the Trademarks Act 1994 during an appearance at Mansfield Magistrates and has also been ordered to pay £240 in prosecution costs and £60 victim surcharge.

Counterfeit items on sale included Fred Perry, Jack Jones and G Star clothing.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of the community safety committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is a great example of trading standards working with local markets to clamp down on counterfeit traders.

“Counterfeit goods reduce trade for legitimate retailers, which has a negative impact on their businesses and the local economy.”

The estimated cost of counterfeit goods to the UK economy is £500,000,000 (half a billion) each year in loss of revenue to legitimate businesses and taxes.

To report someone selling counterfeit goods call the Citizen’s Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.