The proprietor of a Lye barber’s shop who was found to be in possession of hundreds of items of counterfeit clothing and accessories has been sentenced in a case brought by Dudley trading standards.

Abdul Ali of Ali Barbers in High Street, Lye pleaded not guilty to six offences under the Trade Marks Act of possessing counterfeit goods with a view to sale or distribution and one offence of possessing criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act but was found guilty after a trial at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on February 7th 2019.

The court heard that police and fire officers visited the premises in October 2016 to carry out an inspection and discovered 296 items of clothing and accessories such as watches and sunglasses, priced for sale and stored in an area at the back of the shop behind mirrored sliding doors. They included brands labelled as Nike, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Versace and Gucci.

The goods were seized and passed to Dudley Council’s trading standards who confirmed with the brand holders that the haul was counterfeit. Ali denied responsibility claiming that he had rented that part of the shop to someone else, who could not be traced. He was however proven to have control of the whole shop and therefore possession of the counterfeit goods. Ali claimed in court that he is no longer involved in the running of the shop.

At a sentencing hearing on March 1st, Ali was sentenced to a 12 month community order, with 200 hours unpaid work and fined £150 with £500 costs. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85. The counterfeit haul was ordered to be forfeited for destruction by trading standards. Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for communities, said

“Selling counterfeit goods is a serious offence as it hoodwinks customers who expect quality goods from premium brands but end up with poor quality fakes.

"It also adversely affects legitimate businesses who sell genuine brand licensed items. This prosecution sends out a clear message, we will protect consumers and businesses from this illegal activity.”