One Direction who? Judge halts court case of scammers selling fake 1D merchandise because he’s never heard of them
The boy band's popularity and £70million fortune seemed to have escaped the attention of the crown court judge
A CLASSICAL music loving judge momentarily put a stop to court proceedings because he said he has never heard of the world’s biggest boy band - One Direction.
Judge Ian Lawrie QC was dealing with a case of three fraudsters involved in the sale of more than 1,000 fake 1D t-shirts and hooded tops.
Kenneth Colley, 43, his former partner Anna Strzelecka, 40, and 45-year-old Jason Ross abused the trademarked band name and will be sentenced later today, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
Judge Lawrie told the court: "Don’t be surprised to hear that I have not heard of them.
“I am more of a Bach man myself.”
Defence barrister Nick Lewin, representing Ross, told the judge: "They are absolutely huge. They are collectively worth about £70 million.
“If you have not heard any of their music, then your honour is definitely blessed.”
The trio were involved in an operation to sell counterfeit garments for sale on eBay for three years.
Prosecutors at Plymouth City Council said the scam landed them £150,000 as the 1D tops and t-shirts were sold for up to £19.99.
The accused, who come from Plymouth, Devon, and Newquay in Cornwall, admitted selling goods bearing false trademarks between 2009 and 2012, and possessing, converting or transferring criminal property - which was the cash made from selling the fakes.
But Judge Lawrie has told them that he will not be sending them to jail.
The same judge admitted that he did not know what a "onesie" was in a case involving the sexual assault of a woman as she slept in her bed.