In total, more than 300 items of counterfeit clothing were seized in the raid on the two stalls Mohammed Ali Mahmood was manning along with his brother.

The clothing had popular brand labels including Nike, Timberland, Lacoste and Bench – but was later found to be counterfeit.

Grey
Mahmood told the magistrates court that Omar Iqbal, who passed on the goods to sell, said they were so called 'grey goods' not destined for the UK market but genuine all the same.

At his trial at Lancaster Magistrates Court, Mahmood claimed he was unaware that the goods were fake and pleaded not guilty to charges of distributing goods bearing a false trademark and of possessing goods with a false trademark for sale or hire.

Prosecuting on behalf of Lancashire County Council Trading Standards, Jane Maybon said: "On November 20, 2005 test purchases were carried out at Morecambe Sunday market by trading standards officials.

"A Lacoste jumper was seized and examined by the trademark owners, who said it was a counterfeit product.

"In an interview with trading standards, Mahmood said a man called Omar Iqbal had approached his stall and showed him samples of clothing.

"He (Mahmood) was told they were grey goods (imported clothing) and was given some of the clothing to sell, along with an invoice."

Mahmood testified he volunteered to go to the market to pay debts off and clear stock.

He said: "The man said I could take the goods, sell what I could, and pay him the next week.

"I thought he was asking a fair price of between £14 and £25 wholesale and when I showed my friend back home he said they looked genuine.

"The next week I had sold six items so I paid Mr Iqbal and he left behind over 200 items."

Defending, Nigel Beeson said: "It's not easy to spot a forgery unless you're an expert. To the naked eye it is not possible to tell whether an article is genuine or not.
"Mr Mahmood checked the providence of these goods and the prices the goods were sold at were equivalent to JJB Sports sale prices."

Shirts
Before making their decision, the magistrates were shown samples of the clothing which included jumpers, zip-tops and long sleeved shirts.

Addressing Mahmood, the magistrates said: "We do not think you made sufficient enquiries about the clothing and we find you guilty of selling counterfeit goods on all counts."

Mahmood, 22, of Windsor Road, Oldham was handed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 costs.