Two women who made thousands of pounds selling counterfeit items through Facebook – including fake Adidas, Paco Rabanne, and Apple products – have been sentenced following a Trading Standards investigation.
Helen Brindley-Walker, 43, of Norris Hill, Moira, was jailed for two years and three months. Her accomplice, Lisa McArdle, 53, of High Street, Measham, received a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years. Both appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday, 21 July, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The pair sold counterfeit clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, electrical items, and tobacco through Facebook Marketplace. According to Leicestershire Trading Standards, who led the prosecution, Brindley-Walker’s operation generated an estimated turnover of at least £480,000 over 16 months – equivalent to nearly £3.5 million in legitimate goods.
Between July 2020 and October 2021, Trading Standards received numerous complaints from customers who had purchased poor-quality products from the women. When customers requested refunds, they were denied.
Despite being warned multiple times by Trading Standards about the legal consequences of selling fake goods, Brindley-Walker continued trading through a closed Facebook group called ‘Get the Look’, which she administered. Officers joined the group and carried out two test purchases, buying items marketed as Adidas and Nike trainers, Paco Rabanne aftershave, Tiffany earrings, Apple AirPods, an Adidas hoodie, and a YSL perfume and makeup set.
All products were confirmed as counterfeit by brand representatives, who also confirmed the women had no authorisation to produce, sell, or import the items.
Warrants were executed at the women’s homes and two self-storage units in Burton upon Trent, resulting in the seizure of 3,558 branded counterfeit items. The seized stock had a total estimated resale value of £46,500, but would have been worth over £335,000 had the items been genuine. In total, 31 trademark holders confirmed their brands were being copied.
The court heard that Brindley-Walker led the operation, while McArdle assisted by managing the Facebook group, packing orders, and handling postal deliveries.
In mitigation, the court was told Brindley-Walker was acting under pressure from her supplier and feared for her safety. McArdle’s lesser involvement, early guilty plea, and genuine remorse were also noted.
Sentencing Brindley-Walker, His Honour Timothy Spencer KC said: “You were given a very clear warning about selling counterfeit goods. You completely ignored the warning. If you had stopped then, you wouldn’t be in the serious trouble you are now. The counterfeit market undermines legitimate trade and likely exploits sweatshop labour in developing countries. It strikes at the heart of a reliable retail system.”
Addressing McArdle, he added: “This is your first appearance in court, and it had better be your last. Your criminal career starts and ends with this offence.”
Gary Connors, head of regulatory services at Leicestershire County Council, said: “As the judge highlighted, this kind of fraudulent activity harms legitimate businesses, exploits individuals, and often funds other criminal enterprises. These sentences send a strong message – Leicestershire Trading Standards will take firm action against dishonest and exploitative practices, and those involved can face prison.”
