TRADING Standards officers from Warrington uncovered an “Aladdin’s cave” of counterfeit goods when they searched a 72-year-old man’s home.
The man, Bernard O’Toole, of Liverpool, was stopped by police at Birchwood Services and a number of counterfeit goods were found in his car.
Trading Standards officers were called, O’Toole’s home was searched and more than 40,000 counterfeit items were found, including sewing machines, heat presses, badges, transfers and labels used in the manufacture of counterfeit clothing.
O’Toole pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court and was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with the requirement that he carries out 80 hours unpaid work, with an additional £80 victim surcharge.
O’Toole will now be dealt with in the New Year under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure he does not benefit from his criminally obtained money.
Cllr David Keane, Warrington Borough Council’s lead member for environment and public protection, said: “Counterfeiting on this scale represents serious criminality that impacts on the economic well-being of local businesses.
“The council’s public protection service is committed to tackling criminals that both manufacture and sell counterfeit goods and
will take the necessary enforcement action against them.”
TRADING Standards officers from Warrington uncovered an “Aladdin’s cave”
of counterfeit goods when they searched a 72-year-old man’s home.
Aladdin's cave of counterfeit goods
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
