FRAUDULENT internet trader Paul Clarke has received a suspended prison sentence after selling counterfeit goods on eBay.

The 29-year-old, from Templeton Avenue, Berryhill, below, sold the goods on the internet site and on a market stall he ran in Walsall.

His trading began legitimately, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday, but he carried on with the transactions despite discovering some of the goods were fakes.

Prosecutor Joseph Hart said Clarke's offending came to light after Stoke-on-Trent City Council's trading standards department launched an investigation into internet trading in 2007.

He said an officer paid £33 for a pair of trainers from Clarke on the eBay site but they were not the genuine article.

The court heard Clarke used a number of different user identities to put items up for sale.

Mr Hart said this masked who the real seller was and if Clarke received negative feedback he could abandon the user name.

Clarke's home was searched and a large amount of property seized. Goods were also found in his van, which were destined for sale on his market stall.

Despite some of the transactions being made into Paypal (an online payment system) accounts in other names, all the monies went to Clarke. Mr Hart said £16,876 was paid into these accounts.

In his interview Clarke admitted selling goods on eBay and on his stall and made it clear all the transactions were by him and not members of his family.

Clarke pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing goods bearing a false trade mark, fraud by false representation, possession of an article for use in fraud, participating in fraudulent business carried out by a sole trader, two charges of acquiring criminal property and two charges of transferring criminal property.

Robert Mairs, defending, said Clarke's market stall, which sold toiletries, began as a legitimate business.

He said Clarke bought items in good faith and sold them on eBay and at the stall, believing there was nothing wrong.

It was when he received a complaint on eBay that he realised what he was selling might not be bone fide.

"He decided to carry on and turned a blind eye," said Mr Mairs.

He said Clarke's approval rating on the eBay site was 90 per cent.

He said the offending was not sophisticated and added Clarke now ran a fruit and veg shop and worked six days a week.

Judge Paul Glenn said the offences merited a custodial sentence but he could "just about" suspend it.

He handed the defendant a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, with 300 hours unpaid work. Clarke must also pay £2,500 towards the prosecution costs.

A proceeds of crime hearing will take place at a later date.

The judge told Clarke: "Those who purchase on the internet rely on the integrity of the vendor. They cannot check the goods and often have limited information.

"They buy on the basis the goods are genuine. You took advantage of their trust."