News

Two locals fined for selling fake goods on Facebook

Published

10 years ago

October 19, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Not the real thing: Raybans were some of the fakes sold on Facebook

TWO Pembrokeshire men who advertised counterfeit goods for sale on Facebook have been fined.

In two separate cases heard on Friday (Oct 16) at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, the bench heard how the men distributed fake items, which had been advertised via Facebook, from their homes.

Bryan Mathias, aged 34, of Min y Llan Letterston, pleaded guilty to a total of 25 offences under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

After receiving information that he was supplying counterfeit clothing from his home, Pembrokeshire County Council’s (PCC) Trading Standards service was issued with a warrant to search his premises.

Officers found a quantity of counterfeit goods including Superdry hoodies and jackets, Hollister hoodies, Beats headphones and bluetooth speakers, Paco Rabanne perfume, MAC makeup, Rayban sunglasses, assorted DVDs, and Michael Kors watches, jewellery and purses.

Samples were sent to the trademark holders who confirmed that the goods were fake.

Some of the seized fake electrical goods were also submitted for safety testing, and found not to comply with the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, and were therefore unsafe.

Magistrates fined Mathias £380, and he was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,950, and a victim surcharge of £38.

They also ordered a Forfeiture Order so that the counterfeit goods could be destroyed.

In a separate case, Peter Whitwham, aged 41, of Robert Street Milford Haven pleaded guilty to seven offences under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Trading Standards officers obtained a warrant to search his home in December 2014 as a result of information received that he was using Facebook to sell counterfeit clothing.

Counterfeit goods seized from his home included hoodies bearing the Jack Wills, Hollister, Superdry and Adidas trademarks.

Brandholders who later examined samples of the goods confirmed that they were fake.

Magistrates fined Whitwham £220, and he was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,350, and a victim surcharge of £22.

They also ordered a Forfeiture Order so that the counterfeit goods could be destroyed.

Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services said counterfeiting was sometimes seen as a victimless crime, but the supply of cheap inferior fake goods unfairly affected the trade of legitimate businesses in the county.

“Additionally, fake electrical goods such as bluetooth speakers, mains chargers, and hair straighteners are not manufactured to safety standards, and put users at risk,” he said.

“I would discourage anyone considering buying such items as Christmas presents from doing so, as they pose electrocution and fire hazard risks.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.