Chichester internet trader jailed for selling fake jewellery (From The Argus)

Chichester internet trader jailed for selling fake jewellery

1:00pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

An internet trader who sold fake jewellery online has been jailed.

Desmond Fox was sentenced to a 16-month prison term at Chichester Crown Court following an investigation by West Sussex County Council ’s Trading Standards Service.

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty to 15 offences after supplying fake Pandora, Links and Tiffany jewellery sold from his online business.

Officers seized £50,000 worth of stock when search warrants were executed on his home in Albert Road, Chichester, and two other premises.

The investigation was launched after consumer complaints were received by Trading Standards.

Fox had been trading for a number of years through a website and online auction site and a financial investigation showed that he had a turnover of £145,000.

Councillor Christine Field, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “This was selling counterfeit goods to consumers on a large scale.

“The judge made it clear this was a deterrent sentence, and I hope that others involved in these sort of offences will take due notice.

“Crimes like this undermine the legitimate business economy, and Trading Standards will always act to protect local businesses from being harmed, and consumers from being cheated.”

Anyone who suspects someone is trading in counterfeit goods can report the matter to Trading Standards by calling Citizens’ Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06.

Alternatively, an online form is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk.