Ice cream man in cigarette scam

A man from Cumbria has admitted selling counterfeit cigarettes to a child from his ice cream van.

Anthony Wharton, 61, of Marsden Street, Barrow was caught by trading standards officers who found him selling cigarettes to a 16-year-old.

He pleaded guilty at Furness and District Magistrates Court to three charges of selling counterfeit cigarettes.

He also admitted one count of selling cigarettes to a minor.

Wharton admitted he would often sell cigarettes to children whom he thought looked old enough, but he failed to ask for proof of age.

After a raid at his home on 14 October 1,360 counterfeit cigarettes were found.

Wharton must pay court costs of £350 and surrender all counterfeit cigarettes.

He was also ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid community work.