A market stallholder has been sentenced after being caught selling counterfeit clothing worth more than £40,000 at a Christmas market in Solihull town centre.

Narendra Goodman Pun, 51, was handed a 12-month community order at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, September 29, after pleading guilty to nine counts of unauthorised use of a trademark.

Pun, director of Narendra Albert UK Ltd, which trades as Violets Collection, was prosecuted by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) following an investigation by Trading Standards.

The offences came to light after Trading Standards received a report that counterfeit goods were being sold at an externally organised Christmas market in the town centre in December last year.

Officers seized 386 items of clothing bearing well-known brands including Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger and Arctic Monkeys merchandise.

Brand holders later confirmed the items were counterfeit.

Councillor Wazma Qais, SMBC's cabinet member for communities, said selling counterfeit goods was a serious criminal offence that damaged legitimate businesses, undermined fair trading and could leave consumers purchasing poor-quality or unsafe products.

She added: "This case is an important reminder that we take reports of counterfeit trading seriously and will act where concerns are raised and reported.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"We are committed to tackling this issue and will continue to support firm and appropriate action against those who sell counterfeit goods."

Residents concerned about businesses selling illegal or dangerous products can report them through Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.