Couple convicted for selling fake goods

Amy Goldup, 19, and her partner Billy-Ray Marks, 22, both of Richards Close, Dawlish pleaded guilty at Torquay Magistrates Court on 29 October to charges relating to the selling counterfeit goods via Facebook, following an investigation by Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service.

They were charged with offences relating to selling and having in their possession for supply counterfeit goods such as Beats Headphones by Dr Dre, Ray Ban sunglasses, Rolex watches, Ice Watches, Ugg footwear, Gucci perfume, D&G perfume, Hugo Boss perfume and Ralph Lauren socks.

The prosecution was brought under the Trade Marks Act 1994. Miss Goldup was fined a total of £330 and ordered to pay costs of £250, Mr Marks was fined a total of £390 and also ordered to pay costs of £250. The court also granted forfeiture of the goods in order for them to be destroyed.

The court heard how Devon and Somerset Trading Standards had received a number of complaints from members of the public that had seen adverts for “replica” items being openly sold from Amy Goldup’s Facebook page and also some local selling pages on Facebook.

A test purchase was made via the internet by a Trading Standards Officer.

The items received were confirmed as being counterfeit and so Trading Standards Officers exercised an entry warrant into the home of Miss Goldup, where they found and seized over 100 counterfeit items.

The court heard that Goldup and Marks would advertise the goods on Facebook and deliver them to buyers within the local area.

“Counterfeiting is illegal and takes custom away from legitimate local traders as well as putting substandard and shoddy goods into circulation. Facebook should not be used as a medium for this activity and where it’s appropriate our officers will take action to bring offenders before the courts," said Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service.

If you are thinking of buying any products or services Citizens Advice has a list of top tips at www.adviceguide.org.uk. For recognised, suitably qualified and accredited tradesmen in Devon or Somerset, consumers should visit the ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service is a joint service commissioned by Devon and Somerset County Councils. Its aim is to protect consumers and maintain a fair trading environment in which local businesses can thrive. Its work includes routine inspection of business premises, responding to complaints from the public and businesses and investigating breaches of consumer and farm animal welfare law. Further information can be found here.