A FACEBOOK faker sold almost £20,000 of counterfeit designer clothes through the social network.
West Sussex trading standards officers working undercover bought a pair of Ugg boots from Lynsey Nelson only to find they were fake.
When officers went on to buy a designer watch and pair of designer sunglasses they also turned out to be counterfeit.
Nelson, of Perth Close, Crawley, was then stopped by police in Surrey driving a car without an MOT.
The vehicle was found to be full of even more fake designer goods.
An investigation found she had made £19,500 selling fake designer brands including Gucci, Timberland and Ray Ban.
The 33-year-old's attempt to blame her brother and plead not guilty was rejected by the jury, who found Ms Nelson guilty of all 18 charges.
A judge at Brighton County Court has now given Nelson a four month suspended sentence and ordered she pay £3,000 in court costs.
West Sussex trading standards team manager, Richard Sargeant, said: “Selling fake goods is a serious crime and one that we are determined to stop.
“Any shoppers looking for a deal this Christmas should buy from a reputable trader or they might end up with more than they bargained for.”
David Barling, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “Making money out of innocent people is a deplorable act.
“Not only were unsuspecting consumers exploited but the actions of these criminals harm legitimate businesses who comply with the law.
“Our Trading Standards team have done a fantastic job once again in bringing a faker to justice.”
Anyone with information about counterfeit goods can contact Trading Standards online at westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or via Citizens Advice on 03454 040506.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel