Mike Hornby
Thousands of people may have been ripped off by two conmen who sold forged signatures of top sports stars.
Faisal Madani, 43, and Graeme Walker, 45, were convicted yesterday, after a five-week trial which involved footballers Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush as prosecution witnesses, as well as evidence from England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.
Chester Crown Court heard the signatures of Wilkinson, David Beckham, Gerrard, Owen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were forged and sold.
Other counterfeit goods included forgeries of England international caps and Worthington and European Cup final shirts, sold as genuine at Walker's store in Chester.
Walker was convicted of 51 of the 53 charges laid against him after the jury deliberated for almost 30 hours.
Madani was convicted of 18 of the 20 charges laid against him, including supplying many of the items to Walker. Both defendants looked to the floor as the verdicts were returned.
After the convictions, reporting restrictions regarding the collapse of an earlier trial were lifted by Judge David Hale.
Andrew Thomas, QC, prosecuting, told the jury that during the first trial Madani was arrested inside the court building by City of London Police.
He said: "Mr Madani was arrested in relation to the alleged use of fraudulently obtained credit cards. No charges have been brought as the investigation is ongoing."
Madani was remanded in custody until sentencing today.
Walker made no comment as he left the court, although his wife hurled abuse at Madani's wife. In the lobby, Mrs Walker shouted towards Mrs Madani: "I hope you're happy, Sharon. You took all that money off us."
The shop, Sporting Icons, continued trading until two weeks ago. It also sold items online through eBay. Cheshire Trading Standards hopes to obtain an injunction against the business.
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