Crowton eBay trader given suspended sentence for selling fake Hello Kitty watches

8:20am Friday 15th March 2013

By Emma Rigby

A NORTHWICH eBay trader has received a four month suspended jail sentence for selling counterfeit goods.

Paul Dunn, 24, of Station Road, Crowton, pleaded guilty to five offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 at Chester Magistrates and was sent to Crown Court for sentencing on March 12.

A raid by Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards officers and Cheshire Police on Dunn’s trading address in the Old Methodist Chapel in Oakwood Lane, Barnton, discovered 499 fake Hello Kitty watches being sold at £2.99 each.

During the raid on the Barnton premises, which was filmed by BBC’s Watchdog daily programme, boxes containing 4,968 fake Hello Kitty branded rings and 12 pairs of fake Calvin Klein socks were also discovered.

The goods seized had a value of £2,500 based on the prices Dunn was selling them.

The raid took place after a search warrant was issued following two eBay test purchases of the Hello Kitty watches from Dunn trading as ‘Cheshire Stuff’. The trademark holder confirmed they were counterfeit.

Dunn admitted three offences of possessing counterfeit goods with intention of selling them and two offences of selling counterfeit goods.

He was also ordered to pay £10,000 under a Proceeds of Crime Act Confiscation Order and a further £4,430.38 in costs to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

In addition, Dunn must also complete 150 hours of voluntary work within 12 months.

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “Dunn’s illegal trading was uncovered following a pro-active and thorough e-commerce operation by Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards.

“These activities are ongoing and involve carrying out test purchases of items sold by businesses trading on eBay and similar websites to ensure they are authentic.

“The outcome of this case demonstrates our commitment to removing counterfeit goods from the market and sends a warning to others that this form of illegal trading will not be tolerated in west Cheshire.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act is a powerful tool used by Trading Standards to ensure that those who trade in counterfeit goods will not benefit from crime.”