A convicted eBay fraudster has been ordered to cough up £70,000 or face an extra two years behinds bars.

Surrey-based key cutter and engraver Simon Hurley flogged counterfeit merchandise via the popular auction website. Investigators reckon that between March and December 2003 he flogged some 6,000 items pocketting almost £105,000.

Many of the items he sold - including money clips, cigarette lighters and engraved tankards - featured the crest of Manchester United football club.

In April this year Hurley pleaded guilty to a total of 16 offences. Appearing at Croydon Crown Court last Friday Hurley was sentenced to nine months and ordered to pay £8,000 costs.

The Asset Recovery Agency - which works to ensure criminals do not benefit from the proceeds of crimes - also managed to get the court to order Hurley to pay back £70,000 within six months, or face a further two years in prison. ®

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