Shock horror show for man behind fake t-shirt scam
Publication date: Wednesday 10 March 2010
A man running a fake T-shirt scam from a Tottenham factory has been jailed for 15 months following an investigation by Haringey Council trading standards officers.
Mark Blenkiron, aged 46, currently of Parr Road, Norwich, was jailed for manufacturing and supplying counterfeit T-shirts.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to 14 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, relating to the manufacture and supply of T- shirts bearing the registered trade marks of famous rock bands, such as Queen, Led Zeppelin and Guns N' Roses.
Cllr Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities, said:
"This is a major success for our trading standards team following a lengthy and complex investigation.
"The courts are sending out a clear message to counterfeiters that these types of offences are serious and will be severely punished.
"Not only has this man been sent to prison, but he may well have to pay back all the money he made dishonestly."
Wood Green Crown Court heard that the matter first came to the attention of Haringey trading standards officers following information that counterfeit T-shirts found at Camden market in London had originated from the Haringey area.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Blenkiron and his company, Shock Horror Limited of Conway Road, Tottenham, N15, were running a thriving T shirt manufacturing business with both wholesale and internet based sales and were the likely source of supply.
After obtaining warrants from Haringey Magistrates Court, trading standards officers raided the printing factory in Conway Road, accompanied by police officers. They found thousands of already printed T-shirts, printing machines, hundreds of silk screens and artwork templates bearing the names and trade marks of many famous rock bands.
A second search warrant was executed at a flat in Westbury Avenue, Wood Green, London N22, which at the time was home to Mr. Blenkiron and was also the company's registered office. Computers and business documents were seized at the property.
The computers were examined by forensic specialists and as a result valuable evidence was gained which built up a picture of the true extent of Mr Blenkiron's criminal activities.
In court his Counsel asked for sentencing to be based on the specimen offences only and not the total value of the T-shirts seized.
His Honour Judge Morrison gave credit to Mr Blenkiron for his guilty plea and his previous good character, but sentenced him on the basis of the 8,648 T-shirts seized, which had an estimated street value of £43,000.
The hearing was held at Wood Green Crown Court on March 8, 2010.
A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigation has now been started by Haringey Police's Financial Investigation Unit in partnership with Haringey trading standards. This could eventually mean that Mr Blenkiron would have to give up all the money he has made from selling counterfeit shirts.
Under the Trade Marks Act 1994, it is an offence to possess for sale or sell any goods bearing marks which have not been authorised by the registered trade mark owner.
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