A father and son from Redruth have appeared in the dock together to admit selling counterfeit DVDs and non-duty paid tobacco in a prosecution case brought by Cornwall Council Trading Standards.

The pair, David Blakeman Hall, 69, of Highland Park, and Christopher Blakeman Hall, 39, of Monument Way, appeared at Truro Magistrates Court this week.

The court heard that David Blakeman Hall was caught selling non-duty paid hand rolling tobacco in 50g pouches from his home address, and from a van at the regular Carn Brea Sunday market. He was also selling illegal copies of latest release DVDs.

Further investigation had revealed that his son was also involved in the illegal distribution and sale of tobacco products.

Magistrates were told that Trading Standards Officers had seized over 170 pouches of tobacco and over £2,000 in cash when they executed an entry warrant at the Highland Park address and a further 295 pouches of tobacco following an entry warrant at the Monument Way address.

Recognising the early admission of guilt, the magistrates ordered David Blakeman Hall to pay fines and prosecution costs of £5,189.20

His son, Christopher Blakeman Hall, was ordered to pay fines and prosecution costs of £4,241.20

Councillor Sue James, portfolio holder for public protection said: “Cornwall Council has been clamping down on this issue, but we also want to send a clear message to people. If you sell illegal products, chances are you will be caught and you could face serious penalties through the courts.

“Illegal tobacco trade harms everyone.

"All tobacco is harmful, but when it is also cheap and easily sourced, it makes it harder for people to quit and be smoke free.

"Children and young people are often easy targets. The loss of tax revenue also means less money is being spent in local communities on schools or on health care. The illegal tobacco trade also has strong links to crime including drug dealing.

“Our message is clear – selling illegal tobacco is a crime which can carry fines, community orders or prison.

"The number of reports we are seeing shows more people have had enough and are providing us with information to stop local criminals selling and trading tobacco.

"Whether you are a shopkeeper or an individual, chances are you will be reported. Our crackdown will continue.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or alcohol can make a report in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by emailing report-it@cornwall.gov.uk