Terrance Cox, the proprietor of TC Car Sales in Ely, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today for sentencing and a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing relating to his guilty plea of 11 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Terrance Cox was sentenced to four months imprisonment for each offence to run concurrently which were suspended for two years. A proceeds of crime Confiscation Order was given for £50,000 which must be paid within 6 months or Terrance will be sent to prison for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a contribution of £10 000 in costs.
The 11 offences related to possession of a large amount of counterfeit clothing, shoes and watches which were being stored in the car boot of the cars he was selling on his forecourt, as well as a shipping container stored at TC Car Sales and his residential property in Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan.
Following intelligence received Cardiff’s Trading Standards officers executed a warrant on June 2 2011 when the illicit goods were found and seized. An agreed forfeiture order was also granted by the court and the counterfeit merchandise seized will now be destroyed.
Councillor Bob Derbyshire, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Regulatory Services said: “This case clearly shows that the court takes the black market economy relating to counterfeit goods very seriously and should send a clear message to those operating this illegal trade. Officers in regulatory services have taken a great deal of time and effort to trace the defendant’s financial accounts for the last 6 years to ensure he is unable to profit from his illegal activities. I would like to thank all those involved in this case.”
