Pair sold sport fakes in spite of warnings

A married couple sold counterfeit sportswear at a Wolverhampton market for almost seven years, including rip-offs of major brands such as Adidas, Superdry and G-Star.

Jasmeet Kaur Bhagi and Makhan Singh Bhagi were warned by trading standards officers about selling the fakes at Bilston Market in May 2004 and again in October 2009, city magistrates heard.

But the couple, both aged 51, continued the illegal trade to pay debts and their mortgage.

That was despite seven further visits from trading standards and brand protection services.

Mrs Donna Richards, representing Wolverhampton trading standards, said 199 items of counterfeit clothing was seized during visits to their stall.

She said: "On May 20, a test purchase of a counterfeit McKenzie T-shirt was made from Mr Bhagi at the market by a brand protection assistant.

"On June 3, officers and an agent from Brand Protection Services Ltd inspected stalls and seized 114 items of clothing for further examination.

"Samples were then sent to trademark holders. All were confirmed to be counterfeit."

A prosecution was finally brought by trading standards earlier this year following further warnings in May and June last year, as well as an eighth visit in March this year.

The pair, of Wellesbourne Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, admitted 21 counts each of possessing, selling or offering goods with a false trademark for sale when they appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday.

Bench chairman Chris Reed imposed a 12-month community order, including 150 hours of community service each, a £250 fine and a £15 victim surcharge.