A RUNCORN man has been sentenced by the courts after police seized fireworks and fake designer goods.

In a case brought by Halton Trading Standards, Robert Gerrard, of Brambling Close in Beechwood, was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 59-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to both firework and trade mark offences in September.

The court heard how Halton Trading Standards carried out a visit on October 27 last year to SG Bargains, on Percival Lane.

Officers discovered counterfeit items and fireworks on open display, which were subsequently seized.

Gerrard had previously pleaded guilty to failing to take appropriate measures to prevent a fire, an explosion and to protect people.

He also pleaded guilty to selling fireworks without displaying the required statutory notice.

Furthermore, Gerrard also pleaded guilty to ten offences concerning the selling of counterfeit items by brands such as Nike, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Ray-Ban.

In total 160 high-value items and designer goods were seized, totalling more than £47,000.

Gerrard was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and told he must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

In addition, he is the subject of an electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 7am for 16 weeks, and he must pay costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £154.

Forfeiture and destruction orders were granted for the seized fireworks and counterfeit items.

A spokesman from Halton Trading Standards said: “With bonfire night fast approaching, Halton Trading Standards will be proactively carrying out market surveillance, inspections and test buying to ensure a level playing field for businesses and the safety of residents.

“Halton Trading Standards will not tolerate unsafe storage of fireworks and sales of fireworks to children.”