Seasoned seller had dodgy scarves confiscated but returned with more counterfeit goods

A STREET trader scored an own goal after he was caught selling fake football t-shirts despite receiving warnings in the past about his dodgy dealing.

Simon Thomas Meddle admitted selling counterfeit South African FIFA World Cup t-shirts to football fans as they left Wembley Stadium after the England v Mexico match on May 24 this year.

Brent Magistrates’ Court heard the 49-year-old, from Southend, Essex, regularly sold scarves, t-shirts and flags during events at the Stadium and had received a warning from Brent and Harrow Trading Standards (BHTS) and prosecuted twice for selling fake goods.

On the day of the friendly match, which saw England defeat Mexico three goals to one, BHTS officers had seized scarves from Meddle before kick-off but he returned after the game to try and flog the dodgy t-shirts.

Meddle failed to show up at a several appointments with BHTS and later claimed he had picked up the wrong bag so was unaware they contained the t-shirts.

He added: “I didn’t go out to sell copyrighted goods. I know that I’m not meant to be there.”

On Tuesday, he admitted breaking the Trade Marks Act 1994 and was fined �350 and ordered to pay �300 towards BHTS’s prosecution costs.

Bill Bilon, head of BHTS, said: “I hope that this case sends a clear message to others that we will not hesitate in taking action against anyone who thinks that they can come to Wembley Stadium and make a quick buck by selling counterfeit goods or from illegal street trading.”