Garden shed hid fake clubs scam

06 November 2009

A PENSIONER accused of distributing fake golf clubs in the world's largest known eBay scam claimed he was not even "computer literate".

Roy Cottee, 65, said he lacked the know-how to use the online auction site and claimed the Thailand-based mastermind of the plot, Gary Bellchambers, 46, set up the web accounts.

Cottee, who stowed more than 1,500 counterfeit clubs in his shed in Thorn Lane, Rainham, said he believed they were "factory rejects".

He said he simply fulfilled the online orders by packaging the clubs before visiting the post office to send them to customers.

Cottee claimed Bellchambers operated the eBay accounts and the PayPal payment system through which the clubs were bought.

"He organised that side of things. I'm not computer literate in that respect."

Snaresbrook Crown Court has heard how Havering Council trading standards swooped on Cottee's home in December 2006 to find 1,528 fake clubs in specially-designed racks in the shed.

They came to light after Essex pensioner Christine Manz complained to Havering Council about the quality of a club.

Bellchambers "held the vast majority" of eBay accounts, along with Thailand-based ex-pats Brian Ferrigno, Raymond Crook and Paul Biggerstaff, it was said.

Bellchambers and two others have admitted their roles, but alleged gang members, including Cottee and his wife Kay, 43, Helen Wilson, 28, Simon Eden, 44, and Mark Kent, 46, deny taking part in the conspiracy.

Documents relating to the sales were also seized from the houses of Rainham duo Kent and Keith Thomas, 49.

The Cottees both deny two counts of conspiracy to sell or distribute goods bearing signs likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark between September 12, 2003 and March 30 last year.

They also both deny a third count of conspiracy to defraud relating to Qantas cards.

Mark Kent, of Eastwood Drive, Rainham; Sharon Williams, of West Wickham, Kent; Eden, of Hertford, and Wilson, of Hertford, all deny conspiracy to sell or distribute goods bearing signs likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark between the same period.

Bellchambers, of Dunedin Road, Rainham, admits conspiracy to sell or distribute goods bearing signs likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark, and two counts of unauthorised use of trademark.

Thomas, of Martin Drive, Rainham, and Moughton, of Blackpool, both admit conspiracy to sell or distribute goods bearing signs likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark.

The trial continues.