SHOPKEEPERS have been warned not to dabble in fake goods after a Bewdley businessman was ordered to pay nearly £4,000 for being caught in possession of counterfeit DVDs, CDs and videos.
Stephen Gould, who runs the Zoo store in Load Street, pleaded guilty to six offences of possessing counterfeit goods with a view to sale.
The 47-year-old father-of-two also admitted three offences of possessing and offering for sale an adult unclassified video, without a licence.
The offences came to light when Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards officers visited Mr Gould's previous premises at Bridge House, Bewdley, last year before the business moved to Load Street.
Kidderminster magistrates took into account his co-operation with officers and previous good character, fining him £2,000 and ordering him to pay full costs of £1,989.
After the case, Trading Standards officers warned that they would continue to crack down on those who try to sell fake goods.
Andy Wright, enforcement officer, said: "We take the sale of counterfeit and age-restricted products with no licence seriously and we will not hesitate to prosecute. If any local traders would like advice on issues they should consider, they should contact us for assistance."
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