Toy trader fined after schoolgirl's gums are cut on fake fangs imported from China

 
Pulled from shelves: The fake teeth imported from China Picture: Nigel Howard
Ben Morgan27 June 2014

A businessman has been fined thousands of pounds after a schoolgirl was injured by a set of fake plastic fangs.

Almost 3,000 of the £1.20 Fright Fangs have been withdrawn from sale after they cut the 12-year-old’s gums, prompting an investigation by trading standards officers.

The girl’s mother alerted Islington Council after her daughter suffered cuts to her mouth and gums when trying out the fangs.

The council launched a prosecution after tests showed the fake teeth, imported from China, posed a potential hazard to children.

Jonathan Laidlaw, 56, who owns import firm JL Supplies and party shop Zebedee in Liverpool Road, Islington, was ordered to pay a total of £5,200 in fines and legal fees at Highbury Magistrates’ Court.

Fine: Zebedee party shop in Islington Picture: Nigel Howard

Mr Laidlaw told the Standard he accepted “full responsibility”, adding: “They are all now sitting in our warehouse.”

Councillor Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “This product was not safe and should not have been on sale.”

Mr Laidlaw: Said he would do all he could to ensure products were fit for purpose Picture: Nigel Howard

Mr Laidlaw was fined £2,000 and told to pay the council’s £2,000 legal costs and a £200 victim surcharge. His company J L Supplies was fined a total of £1,000.

But he said that he would now do everything he could to ensure future products were fit for purpose.

Mr Laidlaw added: “Once bitten, twice shy, I suppose.”

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