An unlicensed street trader has been fined £1,500 after being caught selling goods at street festivals In Redruth and Camborne.

Steven Lewis of Wolsey Road in Plymouth was found guilty of street trading without the required consents at Bodmin Magistrates Court on Friday, February 12, and fined the maximum £250 plus costs amounting to £1,289.

The court heard that Lewis was challenged by Cornwall Council licensing compliance officers when he was found street trading at the Trevithick Day festival in Camborne on 25 April 2015, and a warning letter was sent to him.

He was spotted by officers trading again on 13 June at the Murdoch Day Festival in Redruth, where he was seen to be selling magnets and snaps.

It was later revealed that he had not applied for a street trading licence. Lewis was invited to the Council offices for a formal interview on two occasions but failed to respond or attend.

Lewis had pleaded not guilty to the offence related to the Murdoch Day Festival, however after failing to appear at the hearing he was found guilty in his absence.

Following the hearing Cornwall Council licensing compliance officer Nicola Kewn said. "We are very pleased with the outcome of this case. Mr Lewis has been particularly difficult to deal with during this process and has shown a total disregard for the street trading requirements in Cornwall.

It is very unfair on the majority of stall holders and traders who pay the required fees and obtain the necessary consent. We got to the point with Mr Lewis where Cornwall Council had no option but to prosecute him.”

Lewis has 21 days to pay the fines.