A MARKET trader who was caught with hundreds of pounds worth of fake accessories during a routine check has been place on curfew.

Eric Scotland, 50, was en route to Wembley Market when he was pulled over as part of a joint-agency operation taking place at the entrance of the world-famous market in April.

Brent and Harrow Trading Standards Service (BHTSS) team up with Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue (HMRC), Tokyngton Safer Neighbourhood Team and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Officers to claim down on dodgy traders.

HMRC checked sellers for suspected tax evasion, VOSA inspected their vehicle for road worthiness and BHTSS scrutinised they wares to ensure they complied with consumer laws.

Brent Magistrates Court heard Scotland, from Luton, Beds, was found with boxes of counterfeit caps and socks bearing the names of Gucci, New Era and Superman alongside vast amounts of fake Nike socks.

Scotland had initially claimed he was a delivery driver taking the consignment to a friend called Martin but he was unable to provide the authorities with any contact details for his ‘colleague’ or to explain where he had collected the goods from.

In court Scotland’s defence team said he was remorseful for his actions and had turned to trading after losing his plastering job.

They added he become involved in selling fake goods as he deemed it a victimless crime.

Last week, Brent Magistrates’ Court placed him on a four-week curfew between 7pm and 7am for which he must wear an electronic tag.

He was also ordered to pay BHTSS’s prosecution costs of �250.

Bill Bilon, head of BHTSS, said: “This case is yet another in a long line of successful prosecutions against traders who have been caught selling counterfeit goods from Wembley Market.

“These traders are not only infringing the registered trade marks of leading companies, but they are misleading consumers into purchasing inferior quality goods which provide very poor value for money.

“I hope that this case will send a clear message to those involved in the sale of counterfeit goods that we will use all available resources to stop the sale of counterfeit goods in this area.”