More than five million illegal cigarettes have been seized from local retail outlets in the first six months of the year as part of Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle the illegal tobacco trade. The haul of illicit products… Read More
In the Courts
Prior Park College scam money launderer made to pay back £213k
A convicted money launderer who was involved in the Prior Park College scam of foreign nationals has been ordered to pay £213,000 as a result of a prosecution by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team. Sanketkumar Patel (38) of Eden Hall Close, Leicester was ordered to pay… Read More
Motor trader convicted of selling unroadworthy truck
A motor trader who sold an unroadworthy tipper truck and misled a buyer in Portland has been ordered to pay £3850 pounds in compensation, fines and costs. On 9 September 2021 at Poole Magistrates’ Court, Andrew James Ostolski, aged 41 of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire pleaded guilty to offences under the Road… Read More
Man sentenced for importing puppies illegally
A man who illegally imported cropped and docked Doberman puppies into the UK has been sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison for risking the rabies free status of the country. On Monday 17 May, at Bournemouth Crown Court, Peter Graham HARMAN (aged 39) formally of Portland Road,… Read More
Farmer jailed for causing unnecessary suffering to sheep
A farmer from the Forest of Dean has been sent to prison for causing unnecessary suffering to a sheep which was found dead on his farm during an unannounced inspection. Keith Barber, aged 72, of Joys Green, Lydbrook, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 11 August to be sentenced…. Read More
Brixham loan shark has been spared jail due to serious injuries he sustained in a stabbing
A Brixham loan shark who made tens of thousands of pounds from desperate fishermen has been spared jail due to serious injuries he sustained in a stabbing. Jamie Grant, 43, was the ringleader of an illegal money lending gang which operated in the seaside town for six years. He made… Read More