A jewellery shop in Wembley and its former company director have been heavily fined for selling goods without hallmark stamps.

Rathy Jewellers Limited, in Ealing Road, and Raj Mahalingam, sold the items without the legally-required mark which proves the quality of precious metals.

Brent Council launched the prosecution after officers from Brent and Harrow Trading Standards found the shop selling a tray of 56 gold, platinum or palladium rings without the hallmark stamp.

Willesden Magistrates Court fined the company £4,500, Mahalingam £3,000 and court costs of £1,371

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “The law on hallmarking is there to protect consumers so that those buying jewellery are able to know what the true value of the item is, and to ensure that businesses are being open and fair with their customers.

“In Brent, we work really hard with businesses to ensure that they comply with the law, but we will never hesitate in prosecuting traders who flout the rules that are there to protect the general public.”