A man from Nanpean has received a criminal conviction and a substantial fine following a series of raids by Cornwall Council Trading Standards.

Michael Richards, 53, of Currian Road, appeared before Bodmin Magistrates Court today (December 14) and admitted four charges of possessing smuggled tobacco and cigarettes.

Almost £800 worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes had been seized when Trading Standards officers raided his home in May. Mobile phones were also seized and showed a history of orders and sales.

Richards was ordered to pay fines and prosecution costs totalling £1,700 as well as forfeiting all of the tobacco, cigarettes and mobile phones seized.