Hammersmith & Fulham Trading Standards has been tackling illegal street traders on its patch with the prosecution of a man who was repeatedly caught selling illegal football scarves outside Stamford Bridge stadium.
Samuel Michael Wilson (42) of Leigh-on-Sea was charged after selling football scarves without a street trading licence in February 2022 at Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Plymouth Argyle, and again in October 2022 during a match against Manchester United.
Samuel Wilson plying his trade outside Stamford Bridge (image credit: Hammersmith & Fulham Trading Standards)
The court case was delayed as Mr Wilson had initially provided officers with a false address.
At Westminster Magistrates Court on 4 October 2023, Wilson was ordered to pay £3,690 in fines and costs after pleading guilty by post of illegal street trading.
Wilson had previously been convicted for similar offences outside Chelsea’s ground in 2021, when he was ordered to pay a total of £3,061 in fines and costs.
The Hammersmith & Fulham team has prosecuted 11 illegal street traders over the past three years, resulting in more than £44,000 in combined fines, costs and victim surcharges.
Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Hammersmith & Fulham Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, said: “We continue to work hard to stop local residents and visitors from being ripped off outside our local football stadiums by illegal street traders.
“This work is also crucial for licensed football merchandise stall holders. We will continue our clampdown on this type of matchday crime in H&F to ensure local residents, families and visitors can enjoy games and be confident they are purchasing reputable merchandise.”
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