Fake bag sales put traders in court

Two Shropshire high street shop owners have been fined for selling fake designer handbags and purses following a trading standards sting.

Bridgnorth nearly new clothes shops Elegance and Top Notch Clothing were both caught selling the accessories, said to be from leading designers including Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

The shops in Listley Street were selling the bags - which retail at about £600 if genuine - for about £40. Customers reported both shops to Shropshire Trading Standards.

Elegance owner Helen Rutter, 37, said she was providing a service that people wanted. Rutter, of Cliff Gardens, Bridgnorth, admitted nine trademark offences at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday. She was fined £900 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs.

Top Notch owner Joanne Chetter, 39, of Victoria Road, Bridgnorth, admitted 11 trademark offences. She was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,700 costs.

Mike Davies, prosecuting on behalf of Shropshire Trading Standards, said inspectors made a test purchase at both Elegance and Top Notch. He told the court Rutter made "no indication the bags were anything other than genuine".

But Jonathan Mason, for Rutter, said the Elegance owner thought customers knew the bags weren't genuine which was why they were so cheap. Shakeel Ahmed, for Chetter, said she had changed her business practice since being caught.