Sheffield man Ian Cleeton spared jail over fake goods haul
A man caught with hundreds of boxes of counterfeit DVDs and clothes in one of South Yorkshire's largest ever hauls of bogus goods has walked free from court.
Ian Cleeton, of Granville Road, Sheffield, was arrested after officers discovered the items during raids on two warehouses.
He was sentenced to eight months, suspended for one year, and 180 hours of unpaid work at Sheffield Crown Court
Cleeton, 51, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Trade Marks Act.
Det Sgt Rob Platts, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "This is the largest seizure of its kind ever known in Rotherham borough and one of the biggest seen in South Yorkshire.
"This type of crime may be seen by members of the public almost not to be criminal. However, I can say this is organised criminality which has links to child abuse, illegal immigration, drugs and violence to name a few."
Police discovered 28 pallets full of boxes containing counterfeit clothing and DVDs at a warehouse on Sandbeck Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Rotherham in 2010.
A further 150 boxes containing fake clothes were found at premises in Shalesmoor, in Sheffield.