A market trader has been sentenced after repeatedly selling counterfeit and illicit goods.
Mubarak Yakub Patel, 52, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to 15 offences related to non-compliant tobacco and counterfeit mobile phone accessories sold at his stall in Fleetwood Market.
The offences were uncovered during a Lancashire County Council Trading Standards investigation involving test purchases and inspections between April and September 2025.
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities at Lancashire County Council, said: "Illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods harm legitimate businesses, damage our communities and can put consumers at risk.
"This prosecution sends a clear message: we will continue to crack down on traders who break the law and profit from illegal goods."
Officers seized 850 packets of cigarettes and 319 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco, much of which was smuggled, non-duty paid, or counterfeit.
Counterfeit mobile phone accessories and earphones bearing unauthorised trademarks such as Apple, Samsung, Barbie, Dior, Fendi, Kenzo and Nike were also found.
Patel pleaded guilty to all offences at Burnley Magistrates' Court in September 2026.
At Preston Crown Court on November 5, 2026, Miss Recorder Jones noted Patel's previous convictions in 2009 and 2016 for similar offences.
He was sentenced to six weeks in custody for tobacco offences and four months for trademark offences, both suspended for 24 months and to run concurrently.
Patel was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Forfeiture applications for the seized goods remain pending as proceedings continue under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team works with HM Revenue and Customs, Lancashire Constabulary and other partners to tackle the supply of illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods.
Reports can be made anonymously through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
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