A Holyhead man has been fined after he was caught illegally selling tobacco for more than a year.

Barry Cassidy pleaded guilty to charges of being involved in a fraudulent business and concealing or converting criminal property, following a joint investigation involving trading standards officers.

Caernarfon magistrates heard Cassidy's home was raided and his mobile phone was forensically analysed, which led to proof that Cassidy had been selling illicit tobacoo between March 2023 and June 2024.

It led to over £10,000 in losses through non-payment of duty and loss of custom to legitimate businesses.

According to the Probation Service, Cassidy had previously worked for the Department of Work and Pensions as a manager for over 30 years.

He had admitted to making a financial gain, but insisted he only made £10 profit on each sleeve of 200 cigarettes.

But in a pre-sentence report, the Probation Service said they believed there "must have been more to it than simply making £10 here and there".

Cassidy expressed remorse for his actions claiming he had not appreciated the wider implications of his actions in how it affected legitimate businesses and the loss of revenue.

In court, he was ordered to pay a total of £2,541.07 - including £2,427.07 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order.

Following sentencing on Tuesday, Cllr Nicola Roberts, who holds the public protection portfolio at Anglesey Council said: "This case clearly highlights the effectiveness of joint working with our partners at the Operation CeCe illicit tobacco team."

"I'm also grateful to our trading standards officers for ensuring that these illegal sales of tobacco were identified and that Barry Anthony Cassidy has been brought to account for his crimes."