20/10/2009 - Millom fraudster sentenced for selling fake memory cards

A Millom man was today given a 12 month sentence for dealing in counterfeit Sony memory cards and sticks.

Preston Crown Court heard how Stephen Bradshaw, 44, from The Green, Millom, had earlier pleaded guilty to 12 counts of possessing counterfeit Sony memory cards and sticks with a view to sale, contrary to the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Bradshaw was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 100hrs unpaid community work.

The court heard that Bradshaw’s company, Express Computers UK, sold 2,517 items through eBay between September 2006 and September 2008.

Bradshaw came to the attention of trading standards when a search warrant was executed on a house in Hull. From those premises two cardboard boxes containing 2,000 counterfeit Sony memory sticks were recovered. These items were traced back to the defendant.

Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "I am pleased with the sentence imposed. Bradshaw was a significant importer of counterfeit goods.

"Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. Traders of genuine stock are prejudiced, jobs lost and consumers have to contend with poor quality goods. This should act as a significant deterrent to anyone dealing in counterfeits". 

ENDS

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