CONSUMER watchdogs who raided a Blackburn shop found several thousand fake CDs and audio tapes and 1,900 illegally copied video tapes.

Blackburn magistrates heard that seven video recorders linked through a television were also seized in the visit to Haidria TV and Videos in Whalley Range.

Mohammed Khalid, 45, of Millham Street, Blackburn, had previously been convicted in his absence of 14 charges under the trades description acts.

The case was adjourned until October 13 for the provision of more detailed information on Khalid's financial situation after the court was told he had subsequently handed the business over to his nephew.

Alan Fairhurst, prosecuting on behalf of Trading Standards, said that as well as the CDs, tapes and videos, two fake Armani watches had been seized.

He applied for forfeiture of all the property seized and asked for £1,500 costs.

Kevin Preston, defending, said the bulk of the charges related to videos which had not been approved by the British Film Industry and even if they had, they were not displaying the correct marks.

"This is a common problem with the so-called 'Bollywood' industry, said Mr Preston.

He said the shop had been entered in December and in November Khalid had been involved in an accident which had left him paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

"The nature of his defence would have centred on his ability to be in control of these goods at the time," said Mr Preston. "Although the business remains in his name he has effectively handed it to his nephew."