PEDDLING knock-off designer handbags and jewellery has landed a Hexham shopkeeper with a fine.
Abdulazim Behnam Panahi was found guilty of 11 counts of distributing goods bearing a false trademark in a trial at Newcastle Magistrate's Court on June 30.
Returning to court last week to be sentenced, Panahi, was ordered to pay over £700 in costs and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Known to many as 'Mr Amigo', Panahi owns Amigo Pizza on Hexham's Priestpopple.
He was also selling counterfeit designer handbags, scarves and bracelets from his shop in Newcastle's Eldon Gardens.
Last September trading standards officers from Newcastle City Council visited the store and seized the counterfeit goods.
Appearing in Newcastle Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, July 19, Panahi (60) of Causey Hill, Hexham was handed a community order of 150 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay a victim surcharge of £60 and court costs of £764.
For more on this story, pick up the Hexham Courant this Friday.
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