Prosecution serves as a warning to sellers of counterfeit goods

Shropshire Council’s public protection service has welcomed the sentence issued by magistrates to a man from Penkridge, Staffordshire following his involvement with the supply of counterfeit clothing, footwear and jewellery.

Steven Gary Platt, 43, pleaded guilty to eight separate offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, which resulted in a 25-week custodial sentence being handed out for each offence, to run concurrently.   Platt will serve the 25-week sentence consecutively to an earlier 30-month sentence he is currently serving for drug-related offences that were discovered at the same time, thereby extending his current prison term.  In addition, all the counterfeit product has been forfeited by the court.

The public protection case was brought following the execution of a warrant at Mr Platt’s residence of Swancote Country Club near Bridgnorth in November 2011.  Public protection officers and police discovered a collection of fake Ugg boots, Barbour coats and Pandora jewellery, as well as a number of other fake items, stored in a container within the grounds.  Records seized at the time showed a brisk trade in the wholesale supply of these and other brands for over 12 months. 

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“This service views any activity associated with counterfeit products very seriously, and we will work with our partners, including the police, to combat this illegal activity.  Whilst the decision to take formal enforcement action is never taken lightly, anyone involved in counterfeiting in Shropshire can expect an early morning call from our officers, loss of the goods they have purchased, and potentially legal action which may, as this case demonstrates, result in the loss of their liberty.  More worryingly, this case has also demonstrated how counterfeiting can be associated with other criminal behaviour, and this is one of the main reasons that we direct resources into tackling this type of crime.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:

“Not only is counterfeiting an illegal activity, it also takes away custom from legitimate, local, hardworking businesses within the county who also provide a valuable contribution towards the wider UK economy.  With Christmas around the corner, I would ask consumers to seriously think twice about supporting this activity.  Counterfeit goods may appear to be a cheap alternative when buying gifts for family and friends but they are, by their very nature, inferior products, often unsafe, and may ultimately ruin your festive spirit.”

Shropshire Council encourages individuals and businesses to contact its public protection service on 0345 678 9000 if they wish to report any such incidents.  Information can be given anonymously, and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies.  Consumers requiring advice on any consumer-related matters may contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service by contacting 08454 040506.