A MAN who sold fake Cartier and Rolex watches on an Internet auction site was yesterday jailed for six months.

Brian Elgey, 21, advertised the watches trading under fictitious company names, Fine Design and Comz Supply, accompanied by corporate logos to convince potential customers they were dealing with a reputable business.

Durham Crown Court heard his scam came to light when a man, who paid £1,600 for a woman's Cartier watch, took it to a jewellers shop, in Windsor, to be valued.

Stuart Graham, prosecuting, said on being told it was counterfeit, he reported it to police, who traced Elgey to his home, in Farrier's Close, Pity Me, near Durham City.

They searched the premises and seized watch boxes and computer equipment, on which the logo designs were found, and £1,060 cash.

When interviewed, Elgey admitted his activities.

Mr Graham said Elgey revealed he paid £571 for five watches and sold four for a total of £12,109.

Don MacFaul, mitigating, said Elgey's life was in turmoil having lost his job and splitting up with his girlfriend, in December 2004.

Mr MacFaul said Elgey had now found work, as a business development manager, and has raised £4,500 to help compensate his victims.

Elgey, now of Fletcher Crescent, Gateshead, admitted four counts of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

Jailing him, Judge Richard Lowden said he hoped it would act as a deterrent to anyone considering selling fake goods.

He also ordered the £4,500 savings and £1,060 seized from his home to be split between the four customers as part compensation.