Rogue Ayrshire trader nabbed in net crackdown

Jan 23 2009 by Cheryl McEvoy

A DODGY dealer found himself on the wrong side of the law after selling cheap rip offs on eBay.

Richard Grant flogged fake Gucci, Prada and Paul and Shark clothes to unsuspecting buyers on the internet site.

But his shady dealings were uncovered when caught red handed by undercover investigators.

South Ayrshire trading standards revealed that 42-year-old Grant’s activities came to their attention when they were contacted by a member of the public who had been sold a fake designer jacket.

Along with police, they went online and bought some of the gear themselves and confirmed their suspicions that Grant was ripping off customers.

His house was later searched and a hoard of clothes, bearing well known designer labels, was seized, along with pirate DVDs and a quantity of tobacco.

It was all later found to be counterfeit.

Grant appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Friday where he admitted breaking the law. He was sentenced to two years probation and 200 hours of community service.

A spokesman for trading standards said: “Although sellers think they can trade anonymously on ebay, cases like this demonstrate this is not true.”

And councillor Peter Convery, who is responsible for trading standards issues added: “The internet can be a source of genuine bargains, but people should be alert to the fact that they may be supplied with counterfeit items when buying from sellers they don’t recognise.

“People who buy these items may think they are getting a bargain but they should be mindful that the only reason apparently branded items cost less is that they may be counterfeit and manufactured to a poorer standard where no checks are made as to their quality.

“Counterfeit goods are often manufactured in sweat shops with no regard to the workers’ health or wellbeing.”

Trading standards are keen to hear, in confidence, from anyone who has information on counterfeit goods and can be contacted on 01292 616403.