Christmas curfew for Bognor Regis ‘Facebook faker’

A Bognor Regis man who sold fake designer goods on Facebook and from the back of his car has been ordered to pay more than £2,600 and serve a 10 week curfew.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Dec 2015, 11:27 BST

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West Sussex Trading Standards officers began tracking Adrian Bodis, 25, after a tip off revealed he was selling fake Nike trainers and UGG Boots online.

Officers then arranged to meet Bodis, of 1 The Mews, Mead Lane, Bognor Regis, and purchased illicit tobacco and a fake bottle of Paco Rabanne perfume from the boot of his car.

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Trading standards alerted the police and then set up another meeting with Bodis, who sold items using the false name Lonrie Johnatan, where he was arrested and his house and car searched.

Large quantities of counterfeit goods were found in the car, including Armani, Superdry and Fred Perry t-shirts; Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Adidas tracksuits; perfume, UGG boots and a Stone Island jacket.

More tobacco was found in his home.

Worthing Magistrates Court were told by a probation officer that Bodis was unsuitable for work due to mental and physical illnesses.

But District Judge Ashworth dismissed the claim saying he had been working while selling the bogus goods.

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The judge also rejected Bodis’s claims that he didn’t realise what he was doing was a crime.

Judge Ashworth’s curfew requires Bodis to remain in his home between the hours of 6pm to 6am for 10 weeks as part of a one year community order.

He must also complete 20 sessions of a rehabilitation activity.

Richard Sargeant, Team Manager for Trading Standards, said: “Selling fake goods is a serious crime and one that we are determined to stamp out.

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“It is very unfair to the customer and has a massive impact on small, local businesses that are trading legally.

“I urge people not to take chances this Christmas in an attempt to save money.

“Buy from a reputable seller or you may have a fake on your hands.”

David Barling, West Sussex County Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Public Protection, added: “Making money out of conning innocent people is a deplorable crime.

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“Mr Bodis not only traded locally from the back of his car, but also nationally and potentially internationally through Facebook.

“Hopefully this sends out a clear message to others who are trading in fake goods, namely you will be caught and you will be taken to court.”

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Related topics:FacebookNike