Fake Nike Air Max, Paco Rabanne and Louis Vuitton seized in raid as women ordered to pay £2,000-plus in fines

Counterfeit Nike Air Max trainers, a Paco Rabanne toiletries collection and a Louis Vuitton clutch bag were among a number of trademarked items found inside the women’s house when it was searched by Durham County Council’s Trading Standards team.

Natasha Adamson, 20, and Rio Dickinson, 19, both of Carlton Street, Ferryhill, appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court following the investigation into their online trade in fake items.

The women were selling the designer knock-offs online and both women pleaded guilty.

Magistrates fined Adamson £120 for her part in the operation and ordered her to pay £250 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Dickinson was fined £280 and ordered to pay costs of £419.85 along with a £32 victim surcharge.

Cash totalling £1,131.38 had also previously been detained from the pair under the Proceeds of Crime Act, leaving them more than £2,200 worse off in total between them.

Now the officials have warned of the consequences of dealing in fake goods.

Owen Cleugh, the council’s public protection manager, said: “Trading in counterfeit goods is a serious criminal offence, which can result in imprisonment.

"It is important that people also understand that counterfeit goods such as cosmetics, electrical items and toys can present risks to public health and may not meet important safety standards.”

Any residents with concerns about the sale of illegal goods in their neighbourhood should call the Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.