01 October 2009

Hampshire County Council recently secured the successful criminal prosecution of a Hayling Island man following a successful investigation for selling illegal and counterfeit goods on eBay.

Gareth Edwin Lee, 54, of Haslemere Gardens, Hayling Island pleaded guilty to eight offences contrary to the Trade Marks Act 1994 in relation to the sale of counterfeit golfing equipment and accessories that he imported from China and sold via eBay.

Lee was sentenced to 30 months in jail, and as a result of his convictions, confiscation proceedings were commenced under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. On 25 September 2009, the Portsmouth Crown Court made a confiscation order against Mr Lee for £105,075.48, profit he gained from his criminal activities, which must be paid within six months or he will serve a further three years in prison.

Confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 require criminals to repay the benefit they have gained from their illegal activities. This is the second time this year that officers of Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service have sought to use these provisions.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said:

“I would like to commend the work of our Trading Standards Officers into the investigation. It sends a clear message to those who deal in counterfeit goods that crime does not pay. The sale of fake goods can put the safety of the public at risk and undermines honest traders by providing unfair competition.”

More information is available on the Hamsphire County Council website.