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Blitz on illegal DVD Sellers
Liverpool City Council's Trading Standards Team led an operation on 8th May 2008 which saw the arrest of two people for possession of hundreds of fake DVDs. Assisted by Merseyside Police the operation targeted the trade of fake DVDs in bars and pubs on Wavertree High Street during which officers seized a car as well as hundreds of DVDs including copies of "Iron Man" and a large amount of hardcore pornography. Principal Officer Dave Horsfield said "We will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit DVDs anywhere in the city and we will continue to work with the police to disrupt the activity of counterfeiters who operated in licensed premises". One suspect was given bail and another appeared in Dale Street Magistrates Court this morning and was remanded in custody.
Market Trader Jailed
A market trader who dealt in fake designer sports clothing and trainers has been jailed for 12 months at Liverpool Crown Court.
Broadway market stall-holder Waseem Cowker was caught with more than 1,800 items of fake clothing and 650 pairs of counterfeit shoes after 3 raids took place over a 10 month period.
Judge Bruce MacMillan jailed him for a year after hearing he already had two previous convictions for dealing in counterfeit goods.
The judge told Cowker:
"This was really wholesale deception on your behalf and a really aggravating feature is that you committed these offences while on bail for the very same offence.
"This is a flagrant breach of the law.
"The time has come when you must be punished by imprisonment."
Cowker, of Rudston Road, Childwall, initially denied the items were counterfeit, but at an earlier court hearing he admitted 10 offences of using a trademark to make a profit.
A confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act is due to take place on May 30.
DVD seller gets Community Service
On 9th January 2008 a market trader selling counterfeit DVD films has been ordered to complete 70 hours Community Service and pay £250 court costs by Liverpool Magistrates Court.
Marcus Bradford of Warner Crescent, Rhyl was caught at a stall on Great Homer Street Market, Liverpool with over 550 DVD films and £305 in cash during a raid by Liverpool Trading Standards in October 2007. The court also granted forfeiture of the goods and cash.
If you suspect anyone of selling counterfeit clothing you can contact Trading Standards or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information given will be strictly confidential.