The former owners of a shop in the Whitgift Centre have been fined £1,500 for selling dangerous children's jackets and counterfeit Burberry goods.

Neki Original Clothing, which traded as Leather World, was prosecuted at Croydon Magistrates' Court recently when the partners, Mr Mehboob Patel and Mrs Froza Patel of Leyton, East London, were found guilty of offences under the Trade Descriptions Act, the Consumer Protection Act and the Business Names Act. They were also ordered to pay costs of £750. All goods seized will be destroyed.

The partnership ceased trading on 21 January 2002. Leather World is now under new ownership.

The court heard that acting on a tip-off from an investigator working on behalf of Burberry, trading standards officers visited the shop and seized the suspect goods. They found illegal copies of handbags, purses and scarves with the distinctive Burberry check on sale at between £60-£120 each.

During the search officers also found 27 children's jackets with dangerous hood cords which were seized. Since 1976 it has been illegal to sell children's outer garments with a chest size of less than 44cm with a pull-through hood cord. This rule was introduced to prevent choking and hanging accidents.

Cabinet member for public protection and health, Councillor Maggie Mansell, said: "I am appalled that these jackets were being sold in central Croydon when they are clearly illegal and also dangerous.

"All traders in the borough who may be tempted to make a quick profit from selling counterfeit goods should take heed. The fines imposed reflect how serious magistrates view the dishonest practice of misleading shoppers."