A man who cashed in through a large-scale operation selling fake perfumes and shoes online has been sentenced.

Derek Mitchell, formerly of East Street, Sittingbourne, admitted 10 charges of breaching registered trademarks by selling branded items on Facebook and Gumtree.

Medway magistrates heard Kent County Council (KCC) Trading Standards began an investigation after a tip-off Mitchell was selling counterfeit items.

Police discovered he had taken on a storage unit in Sittingbourne, which he increased in size the following August.

The facilities manager there was told a large number of people had been visiting Mitchell’s unit on Saturdays to collect items.

In November 2016, Mitchell moved to new premises in and around Sittingbourne, saying he wanted a container for storing children’s presents and items from home in the run-up to Christmas.

It was discovered the 24-year-old was advertising counterfeit items on a wholesale basis for sale through Facebook and Gumtree.

On Facebook, when asked if the goods were “real”, his reply was “These are replica”.

Trading Standards officers tested 19 bottles of “branded” fragrances, purchased for £190. A second test was arranged for December 2 at the storage unit, and 12 pairs of boots, branded as Adidas, were bought for £200. All the items were counterfeit.

The court was told at the hearing on Monday, October 30, that this had been a foolish endeavour by Mitchell, who was previously of good character.

Magistrates imposed a curfew on Mitchell, now of London, from 8.30pm to 8.30am for two months. They also ordered him to wear an electronic tag, and pay costs of £520. The seized items will be destroyed.