Two Rhondda Cynon Taf residents, an employee and a shop owner in Mountain Ash have both been successfully prosecuted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards department for operating a fraudulent business and having counterfeit goods in their possession, for the purpose of selling.
The 23-year-old female and 43-year-old male, husband and wife, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court, where they both pleaded guilty to 24 offences relating to the sale and possession for supply of counterfeit tobacco products, dangerous goods and running a fraudulent business.
The successful charges were brought against the defendants by the Council’s Trading Standards Department following an investigation as a result of information received.
Officers carried out a test purchases at the town centre store on April 20, May 4, May 27, October 22 and December 11, 2021. Counterfeit tobacco products were seized from the premises on December 11, 2021, following complaints that illegal tobacco products could be purchased from the business premises.
Louise Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Service, speaking after the court case, said: “Once again, the Council has concluded yet another successful prosecution against a Rhondda Cynon Taf business owner and employee in relation to the sale of counterfeit goods.
“The law is there to protect both the public and those bona-fide international companies who have a global reputation for selling quality goods at reputable outlets.
“Our Trading Standards officers, working on information received, carried out a thorough investigation, which has resulted in this successful prosecution. The sale of these counterfeit goods was not only detrimental to consumers, but also to the honest traders.
“Consumers also have the right to know that items they are purchasing fit the description being offered.”
The female defendant was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order consisting of 100 hours unpaid work, was also ordered to pay £800 court costs and an additional £95 Victim Surcharge. The male defendant was fined £600, ordered to pay £800 court costs and an additional £60 Victim Surcharge.
