South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 16/07/2013

Martin Hann of Palmers Court, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, appeared before Northavon Magistrates on Monday 15 July where he pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994. Mr Hann was convicted of nine offences in total and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and to pay costs of £2,354.31.

Mr Hann was producing and selling counterfeit films through his workplace, Rolls Royce, in Filton. The case came to the attention of South Gloucestershire Trading Standards in November 2011 when an anonymous Crime Stoppers report was received informing officers of the illegal activity. A warrant was executed at his home address, where over 1000 copied films and film covers were discovered. A number of the copied films were in multiples of two or more, further confirming they were in his possession for sale.

Cllr Claire Young, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: "I hope this case raises awareness to both employers and employees that the sale of counterfeit goods in the workplace is illegal and will not be tolerated. Mr Hann is being forced to pay both financially and through the loss of 120 hours of his free time. This should act as a significant deterrent to others engaging in this activity.”

Mark Pullin, Strong, Safer Communities Manager, said: “I support the action taken by Trading Standards in this matter. This is an example of an individual who has taken advantage of the familiar surroundings of his workplace and the trust of his colleagues to engage in criminal activity.

“I strongly encourage anyone who is aware of similar activity occurring in the workplace or other social situations to report the matter to Trading Standards for investigation,” he added.

The workplace, among other social networks, is referred to as ‘the hidden market place’ as often sales of pirated films and other counterfeit goods in this environment go unreported. If you are aware of the sale of counterfeit goods please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08456 040506 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.