A MAN from Pilning has pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit clothing, films and computer games.

Kane Goodman, 35, of Wainbridge Crescent, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court, on October 30, to 17 charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for selling and possessing counterfeit goods.

Goodman also pleaded guilty to one charge under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Goodman’s activities came to light during the course of an investigation by local Trading Standards officers into the sale of counterfeit films.

In May 2008 a warrant was executed at his home in Pilning and large amounts of counterfeit clothing were removed from his house along with copied games and film discs and a quantity of computer equipment.

A total of 153 items of counterfeit clothing, including branded football shirts and other clothing such as Paul Smith and Lacoste, as well as Chanel handbags and Tiffany jewellery, was all confirmed by the trademark owners as being counterfeit.

In addition, 411 pirated films were removed along with 757 pirated Nintendo Wii and Playstation games.

Neil Derrick, Trading Standards officer from South Gloucestershire Council, said: "We are extremely pleased that Mr Goodman has pleaded guilty to the majority of the offences with which he is charged.

"This enterprise was generating income off the back of the property of others and we are glad to have stopped it."

Cllr Heather Goddard, South Gloucestershire Council’s executive member for communities, said: "Counterfeit sellers pocket all they earn and in this economic climate it is even more important that we take decisive action to protect legitimate traders, who are often responsible for the livelihoods of hundreds of employees."

Goodman will be sentenced on January 14, 2010.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, sentencing could include the confiscation of funds generated by criminal activity.

Anyone wanting to report counterfeit sales activities in the strictest confidence can do so by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.