Couple warned of trademark breaches carried on selling St Asaph Lovelight concert; Noticeboard.

A COUPLE warned selling fake Dr Who t-shirts and Babygros online was infringing copyright altered their descriptions to continue their sale, Caernarfon Crown Court heard.

Teacher Hayley Batley, 31, and her partner, Thomas Evans, 36, both of Berse Road, Wrexham admitted charges of infringing trademarks They were given conditional discharges but told they faced a financial investigation and could be ordered to repay any proceeds from the illegal trade.

Lee Reynolds, prosecuting for Wrexham Council, said for about four months the couple ran an account, "Silly Bear Clothing", on eBay. They described it as "providing unique and on brand fashion at reasonable prices".

"They sold Dr Who designs on t-shirts and Babygros and other well known brands from about June last year. The defendants were contacted by the BBC who told them they were infringing their trademarks: the result was they altered the descriptions from Dr Who to a well known science fiction character. A test purchase was found to be a branded product," the lawyer said. Council officials took the view the response to the warning was an element of sophistication to hide what they were selling.

"In September last year they were still selling infringement products. They told officers they were selling 20-25 items per week making a small profit," he added.

Batley, a teacher at St Giles primary school, Wrexham was of previous good character; Evans, who works nights at Wrexham Sainsbury's, had a public order offence from 2001.

Barristers for the couple said the case had had a marked effect on their health.

Andrew Green, for Batley, said she was suspended from teaching duties and school officials will be reviewing her employment. Evans' barrister John Hedgecoe added his client was also signed off work and agreed with a probation officer's comment both had been "naive" in running of the account.

"They did take the warning but sadly relisted the goods," he said Sentencing Judge Niclas Parry said: "Offences like this are easy to commit but costly to the companies involved. It affects their profits and ultimately jobs.

"The punishment on you is as much a deterrent to others."

TENOVUS Cancer Care hold its first Lovelight Christmas Concert in memory of those who have been affected by cancer, on Thursday, December 4 in St Asaph Cathedral at 7.30pm, . Hosted by Rupert Moon. With Fairholme Prep School, Flint Male Voice Choir and Sing With Us Wrexham Llandudno, and Bangor. Tickets PS10, call 07800 790353 or send an email to [email protected]