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A motor sports rogue could be facing jail for conning racing car drivers with fake seatbelts which failed at 50mph.

Conman Finbar Hannaford, 22, sold more than 300 of the “enhanced seatbelt systems” to semi-professional and amateur drivers before his scam was discovered.

The counterfeit harnesses had the names of top Italian and Japanese racing brands such Sabelt, Sparco and Takata - but were fakes made in China.

(Image: Wales News Service)

Swansea Crown Court heard how a counterfeit harness failed in controlled safety test conditions at a speed of just 50mph.

Prosecutor Lee Reynolds said: “The products gave the impression of being Italian made but had in fact been imported directly from China.

“The harness failed on several points indicating that in a real life situation – and under normal use – it could cause death or serious injury.”

(Image: Wales News Service)

The counterfeit harness under test was branded as Sparco which he sold on eBay at less than the normal price range of between £100 to £250.

Carmarthenshire council’s trading standards officers warned that there was a ‘real risk’ that the counterfeit Sabelt and Takata harnesses could also similarly fail. At least one is thought to have snapped.

Hannaford sold the fake seatbelts on eBay and Facebook, amongst a range of counterfeit car accessories and clothing.

(Image: Wales News Service)

Hannaford, of Maes yr Awel, Pembrey, admitted participating in a fraudulent business between August 1, 2014 and July 18, 2015 by selling racing harnesses which were either counterfeit or dangerous.

Robin Rouch, representing Hannaford, said: “He accepts that the harnesses had not been genuine but he had believed them to be of good quality.”

The harnesses are fitted to cars used for both rallying and circuit racing.

Hannaford was released on bail by Recorder Christopher Clee and will be sentenced on May 11.