A TRADER has been fined after selling counterfeit Nike trainers at Stow Fair.

Shahid Hussain, aged 34, of Appleton Street in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, pleaded guilty to two charges of selling counterfeit Nike trainers at Cheltenham Magistrates Court last Friday.

It follows the seizure of 56 pairs of fake Nike Air 90 and Nike Air 95 by Gloucestershire Trading Standards officers at the fair last October.

The trainers were being sold for between £30 and £50 - the genuine articles would cost between £100 and £120.

Working with the police and Cotswold District Council in response to an increased number of complaints and concerns over the sale of counterfeit items, Trading Standards Officers seized the goods.

Initially officers checked Hussain and found he had no illegal goods but then received a report he was loading his car with boxes being passed over the wall surrounding the fair site.

His car was pursued by the police and returned to the Trading Standards Officers who then found the trainers along with £3,390.

Hussain was fined £100 on each charge along with £800 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted that the hard work Trading Standards officers have put into this investigation has had a positive result.

“It sends out an important message to those who continue to break the law.”

Head of Trading Standards Eddie Coventry added: “The sale of counterfeits undermines legitimate businesses and often leaves consumers with poor quality goods and no way of exercising their rights.

“Trading Standards will continue to take action to support local businesses.”