The directors of a sports firm in Hull have been warned they will be fined or even imprisoned if they fail to treat customers fairly over online orders.
Hull City Council has successfully obtained a court order against James Milner Sports Ltd, following more than 20 complaints in two years.
James Milner and Stephen Crooks, and their company James Milner Sports Ltd, based in Savile Street, were given enforcement orders under the Enterprise Act at Hull County Court on Tuesday.
The two directors have been told to refrain from breaching the Distance Selling Regulations when supplying sports goods online and also for failing to refund monies paid within 30 days.
This means they have effectively been given a final warning.
In 2011, both directors gave written undertakings to the council that consumers would be treated fairly. However a further 15 similar complaints were received resulting in the application for an injunction.
Should either Mr Milner or Mr Crooks breach this Court Order they could be fined or imprisoned for contempt of court.
Councillor John Hewitt, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "People ordered the goods online from this company in good faith that they would be received."It is disappointing that an independent local trader has taken advantage of such good faith and failed to deliver the goods."
Chris Wilson, city trading standards officer, added: "Despite giving undertakings in June 2011, the company failed to deliver the goods that consumers had paid for or return their money promptly."
