STORE chain Matalan Retail was fined £9,000 yesterday for selling unsafe Christmas tree lights.
Tests showed the £5 lights overheated, making them a fire risk.
The 500-branch firm admitted two offences under the Consumer Protection Act, and four under the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, between last October and December.
Lesley Wilson, prosecuting for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said the firm blamed poor checks in Hong Kong.
The Middlesbrough store, on the Skippers Lane industrial estate, was still selling them after a withdrawal notice was given, Teesside magistrates were told.
Simon Jones, defending, said Matalan had an excellent record.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article