Gary Bellchambers (46) oversaw a network selling golfing accessories, clothing and passes for an airline lounge “on a scale that, it is believed, has never been seen before

Gary Bellchambers (46) oversaw a network selling golfing accessories, clothing and passes for an airline lounge “on a scale that, it is believed, has never been seen before”, a court in England was told. head of a global crime network that duped eBay customers into buying fake branded golf clubs has been sentenced to four years and three months in jail.Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that over four years the gang was “responsible for the sale and distribution of hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of pounds worth of counterfeit goods both in the UK and abroad”.
Adam Davis, for the prosecution, said the conspiracy was of a “truly global nature”. Conspirators are thought to have been based in Thailand, Australia, Germany, Singapore, the US, Hong Kong and China, he said. Conspirators were found in Ireland, Wales, Aberdeen, Dorset and Birmingham.
Two gang members were also jailed. Keith Thomas (49), Bellchambers’ book-keeper, was sentenced to 16 months. Roy Cottee (66), a pensioner, was given 12 months. Other gang members were handed suspended sentences.