A Thurrock-based company and its director have been forced to pay out more than £4,100 after they failed to follow advice to ensure imported toys met proper safety standards and did not pose a danger to children.

JL Supplies Ltd was fined £600 and ordered to pay £937 costs and £60 victim surcharge. Company director, Jonathon Laidlaw was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £140 victim surcharge after pleading guilty at Southend Magistrates Court, on 14 April 2021, to importing and supplying unsafe toys that could have hurt children.

An inspection by Thurrock Council Trading Standards officers, carried out at the company premises in Horndon on the Hill, found the supplier had toys that didn't have safety documentation. Further testing found a number of unsafe toys that put children at risk of choking and asphyxiation, while other toys which did not carry the proper documentation and labelling.

This prosecution came after repeated attempts by the council to work with the business to ensure they were complying with their legal obligations to import and supply safe goods. Extensive advice had been given but the business had failed to act on it.

Thurrock Council's Trading Standards team works hard to keep all residents, and especially children, safe from rogue traders and dangerous goods.

Members of the public should: make sure they only purchase from reputable retailers look out for age warnings on toys ensure there is a name and address of the manufacturer/importer on the pack ensure the product has the CE/UKCE mark Residents can report the sale of unsafe toys to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, by phoning 0808 223 1133.