An illegal tobacco trader was caught in possession of counterfeit cigarettes by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards service, only six months after receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence for similar illegal tobacco and money laundering offences.
Michael Addison, 65, of Portland Place, Cheltenham, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 July, where he was found guilty of five charges relating to the possession of fake cigarettes and smuggled hand rolling tobacco.
The court heard that in April 2024, Addison was caught in Kidlington with a bag containing cigarettes and tobacco on the back seat of his car, together with a notebook detailing sales records.
This was part of a joint operation led by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team, the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and Thames Valley Police.
At the interview under caution, Addison claimed the cigarettes had been bought for his personal use, whereas the hand rolling tobacco was for somebody else who had approached him to “see what he could do as a one-off”.
He confirmed the notebook did relate to tobacco sales but claimed it was “from years ago”. Sentencing will be held at Oxford Crown Court on 26 August.
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “While there is no safe level of smoking, there is also no way of knowing what is contained in unregulated and counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products, which could put your health at an even greater risk. That is why our trading standards team will continue to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Addison had previously been found guilty back in September 2023 for similar illegal tobacco and money laundering offences. He was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Prevention, Protection and Trading Standards, said: “This was an example of partnership working at its best. Thanks to the help given by SEROCU and Thames Valley Police, we have been able to catch a prolific offender targeting Oxfordshire again, who clearly may never have stopped.”
