A HUDDERSFIELD businessman has been jailed for eight months for his role in a professional counterfeit clothing operation which could have cost companies tens of thousands of pounds.

Father-of-five Mohammed Ashraf was arrested while manning a stall at the Cross Green car boot sale in East Leeds last September.

Trading Standards and police officers moved in when they suspected that the 51-year-old, of Lockwood Road, Huddersfield, and another man were selling counterfeit designer jackets and jeans.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how officers seized dozens of jackets, jeans and T-shirts bearing the names of Armani, Bench, Adidas and Prada, and Ashraf was found in possession of more than £400.

The inquiry led investigators to a unit operated by Ashraf at the Gatehouse Enterprise Centre in Huddersfield where he ran his legitimate clothes manufacturing business, TR Fashions.

Prosecutor Howard Shaw told the court how during a search of the premises investigators found boxes containing hundreds of counterfeit items as well as false labels, buttons and packaging which could be used to brand clothing to pass it off as the real goods.

Judge Jonathan Rose accepted submission that Ashraf had not been the leading light behind the operation and the court heard that another suspect, named as Mumtaz Hussain, had been returned to Pakistan by the immigration authorities without the knowledge of those investigating the counterfeit goods scam.

Ashraf, who had a previous conviction for conspiracy to defraud an insurance company, pleaded guilty last month to 25 charges under the Trademarks Act 1994.

Sentencing him, Judge Rose said the courts had always protected those who owned copyright and trademarks.

“The authorities have made it clear that those who breach copyright and trademarks are involved in a serious criminal enterprise,” he told Ashraf, who also works as a cab driver.

“It seems to me in recent years as more and more people, particularly young people, have placed more and more store in labels such as Prada, Armani, Bench and G-Star there is an even greater need to protect those copyrights and trademarks.

“Offences of this sort which are becoming more and more prevalent are difficult and time-consuming to detect.

“I accept and deal with you on the basis that you were not the prime mover in this enterprise. I accept that the enterprise was brought to you by a man you have named as Mumtaz Hussain and less there be any doubt I accept that you are a hard-working man, who has worked hard ever since you came to this country.

“You had set up a business manufacturing legitimate clothing but you had the premises and the machinery to provide the necessary assistance to Mumtaz Hussain.

“I find that you went into this criminal enterprise, for that is what it was, with your eyes wide open.” The judge said Ashraf knew that counterfeit goods were being manufactured and had not only allowed his premises and machinery to be used but had also helped attach the labels and packaging.

“Your involvement can only be put down to greed,” added Judge Rose.

“Whilst Mumtaz Hussain was the leading light in this criminal enterprise you were a very important and very willing partner.

“Whilst a value cannot be put on the loss to the legitimate owners of the trademarks it is in the many thousands of pounds.”

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer, said of the case: “This is another good result in the fight against counterfeiting in West Yorkshire, which undermines hard working, legitimate traders.

“I hope it will act as a warning to others who may be planning to sell counterfeit goods in the county. We are working very closely with market and car boot organisers to ensure that the counterfeiting problem is tackled head on and we will not hesitate to take legal action against such traders.’’

Clr Mohan Sokhal of the Trading Standards Committee said: “Counterfeit goods damage the economy by taking money and jobs away from legitimate manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

“Those involved in counterfeiting are not loveable rogue “Del Boy” characters, but are often connected with other criminal behaviour.

“If you have any knowledge of counterfeiting activities, I urge you to get in touch with Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 to report it.”