A MARKET trader has pleaded guilty to 14 separate charges relating to the possession for sale of nearly 70 counterfeit watches and bracelets in Pontypool.

Peter Humphreys, aged 50, appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates' Court to face charges in relation to the fraudulent use of trademarks.

He was taken to court after trading standards officers found him selling items in Pontypool town centre which were believed to be counterfeit, including fake Armani, Rolex, Michael Kors and Pandora products.

The resident of Sentinel Court, Fairwater, Cardiff, was fined £1,120, with costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £112 following his appearance on October 24.

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, Torfaen’s executive member for planning and public protection, said: “We have a duty to protect shoppers and will not tolerate fake and counterfeit goods being sold in Torfaen.

“Legitimate businesses are also undermined by criminal sellers of counterfeit goods which are often poor quality and can be unsafe.

“Trading standards work extremely hard in collaboration across Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen to tackle the sale and supply of counterfeit items, and those people caught selling them risk getting a heavy fine or imprisonment.

“Their financial affairs can also be investigated and courts can confiscate any monies or assets that they can't prove has been earned legitimately.

“I would encourage residents to look for reputable or accredited sellers wherever possible.”

Anyone with information about counterfeit goods can contact the joint Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Trading Standards team on 01633 647623 or e-mail trading.standards@torfaen.gov.uk.

Further information be found at torfaen.gov.uk/en/Business/TradingStandards/Trading-Standards.aspx