Wrexham,North Wales - Couple and uncle admit selling unsafe clothes, toys and fireworks

Published date: 11 December 2015 | 

Published by: Staff reporter
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A COUPLE and an uncle have admitted selling unsafe and counterfeit toys, clothing and fireworks.

Amanda Billing, 38, her partner, Andrew Billing, 34, of Pentre Gwyn, and Mrs Billing’s uncle, Paul Thomas, 49, from Eaton Drive, both Caia Park, Wrexham, were sentenced for selling unsafe and counterfeit toys and clothing and for selling fireworks on Facebook.

They pleaded guilty at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Thursday in a case brought by Wrexham Council’s trading standards department.

Both Billings were given 12-month community orders, told to do unpaid work for 100 hours and ordered to pay £1,060 in costs 

Thomas was given a 12-month conditional discharge and costs of £1,115 for failing to take required safety measures in relation to storing fireworks.

Cllr David Kelly, Wrexham Council’s lead member for planning and public protection, said: “It is extremely alarming to learn that unsafe toys and fireworks are being sold in this completely uncontrolled and unregulated way.

“I am grateful to the council’s trading standards service for their vigilance.”

He added: “With Christmas coming I urge shoppers to be extremely wary of bargains that may be on offer, especially when they appear for sale over Facebook or in other informal circumstances.

“Demand for toys, fireworks and a whole range of gift items at this time of year will give rise to all kinds of bargains and offers being made and shoppers need to exercise great care.”

Trading standards is urging anyone with information relating to the sale of potentially dangerous or counterfeit goods or offering fireworks in suspicious circumstances, to report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506