LoginHefty Fine for Fake Watch Seller
A jeweller in Northern Ireland who sold fake designer watches has been ordered to pay £9,000.
Journal of Trading Standards Staff
Posted 27 May 2025 | JoTS Online
Content Tags: Updates|Counterfeit Goods|Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service (TSS) has successfully prosecuted a jeweller who sold counterfeit designer watches from his store.
TSS launched its investigation after receiving a complaint about items on sale at Faith Jewellers, Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon. When Officers visited the premises they found counterfeit watches on display priced between £249 and £399. They seized 36 items with a combined retail value of approximately £10,000 which were subsequently confirmed by brand representatives to be counterfeit.
Counterfeit trade harms the local economy by cheating consumers, undermining legitimate retailers and threatening jobs
Rodney Simmons (51) of Laurelvale Road, Portadown, Director of Jans Jewellers Limited trading as Faith Jewellers, pleaded guilty to six charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 related to the selling, exposing for sale and possession of counterfeit watches. At Craigavon Crown Court on 23 May Simmons was fined £9,000. The Court also ordered the destruction of the counterfeit goods.
A TSS spokesperson said: “This should serve as a warning to individuals who believe they can profit from selling counterfeit goods. Mr Simmons purchased cheap counterfeit watches and then sold them at genuine retail prices. Consumers are entitled to expect that the goods they buy from traders are of the quality associated with named brands.
“Counterfeit trade harms the local economy by cheating consumers, undermining legitimate retailers and threatening jobs. TSS take this activity seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any trader found to be selling counterfeit goods.”
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Content Tags: Updates|Counterfeit Goods|Northern Ireland
