Craigavon Jeweller Fined £9,000 For Selling Counterfeit Designer Watches

A Craigavon jeweller has been fined £9,000 at Craigavon Crown Court today for selling counterfeit designer watches. The court also ordered the destruction of the seized goods. Rodney Simmons, 51, of Laurelvale Road, Portadown, who is the Director of Jans Jewellers Limited, trading as Faith Jewellers, pleaded guilty to six charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994, related to the selling, exposing for sale, and possession of fake watches.

The Trading Standards Service (TSS) initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint about items being sold at Faith Jewellers in Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon. Officers subsequently seized 36 counterfeit watches that were displayed alongside genuine items and priced between £249 and £399. Brand representatives confirmed the items were indeed counterfeit, with a retail value of approximately £10,000.

A TSS spokesperson issued a warning to those profiting from counterfeit goods, stating: "This should serve as a warning to individuals who believe they can profit from selling counterfeit goods. Mr Simmons purchased cheap counterfeit watches and then sold them at genuine retail prices. Consumers are entitled to expect that the goods they buy from traders are of the quality associated with named brands." The TSS emphasised its commitment to enforcement action against traders selling fakes, noting that counterfeit trade harms the local economy by cheating consumers, undermining legitimate retailers, and threatening jobs.

To help consumers avoid purchasing counterfeit items, the TSS advises caution with "bargains," always buying from reputable traders, checking the quality of goods, looking for spelling mistakes and poorly printed logos on labels and packaging, and verifying website details for online purchases. They also suggest asking about returns policies or guarantees, and to refrain from entering payment details if unsure about an item's authenticity.

Anyone who has information in relation to individuals or businesses involved in the selling of counterfeit goods, or if anyone believes they have purchased such goods, should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or via the webform.

Alliance Welcomes Progress on Belfast City Council's Bid to Acquire Historic Assembly Rooms

Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has welcomed recent discussions at Committee regarding Belfast City Council's potential acquisition of the Grade B1 listed Assembly Rooms building in the city centre. While a final decision on the acquisition has been deferred to a Strategic Policy and Research Committee meeting next week, Councillor Long, who seconded the original proposal for the purchase, expressed delight at the "substantial progress made."

Councillor Long emphasised the long-standing campaign for the building's restoration, asserting that the Council is best placed to achieve this. He condemned the building's deterioration as "unacceptable," noting its significant historical importance dating back to the late 1700s, having witnessed "monumental social and political shifts" and serving as a hub for traditional arts.

He views the acquisition as an "exciting opportunity to bring one of Belfast's most important and historically significant buildings back into public use for both residents and tourists alike." Furthermore, he believes it will "aid crucial regeneration of this part of the city centre alongside the upcoming Belfast Stories attraction."

ATM Stolen From Portadown Service Station In Overnight Heist

Detectives are investigating the theft of cash from an ATM at a service station on Gilford Road in Portadown last night.

Shortly before midnight, two men gained entry to the rear yard of the premises from a field adjacent to the Mullahead Road. They then forced their way into the room containing the ATM, which they subsequently broke open using tools before making off with cash across the field.

Police believe the culprits spent several hours at the location to access the ATM. Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have captured any CCTV or other footage in the area to come forward.

Please call 101, quoting reference 142 27/05/25. Information can also be reported online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org/.