Peter Clanford, a 54-year-old resident of Elm Tree Road, Weston-super-Mare, has been sentenced for operating a sophisticated counterfeit t-shirt business. Over nine months, from December 2023 to October 2024, Clanford produced and sold fake music and football t-shirts featuring iconic trademarks, including The Beatles, Metallica, and the FA’s famous Three Lions emblem.
The scheme was uncovered after brand protection agency Surelock Limited discovered hundreds of counterfeit t-shirts being sold on eBay. Further investigation by North Somerset Council and their Trading Standards service revealed a high-end printing operation at Clanford’s home, where law enforcement seized printing equipment, computers, and apparel. Additional checks extended to sales on platforms such as Etsy and Clanford’s own website.
Clanford pleaded guilty to four counts of unauthorized manufacture, possession, and distribution of trademarked goods. He received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £8,767 in prosecution costs.
READ MORE: Somerset Woman Breaks Barriers as Non-Verbal Motivational Speaker
READ MORE: Somerset Mum Loses 17st After Eye-Opening Health Realisation
Councillor James Clayton emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting consumers and legitimate trademark holders, stating that such fraudulent activities will be met with firm action. Jake Alford, brand protection manager at Surelock Limited, praised the joint efforts, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the operation and the global scale of the counterfeit sales.
This case underlines the ongoing fight against counterfeit goods, protecting both creators and consumers from fraudulent products.