A MAN who was caught selling counterfeit cigarettes at a Bolton off-licence has been ordered to pay more than £2,600 in fines and costs.

Sharpoor Ahmadi, aged 39, of Basten Drive, Salford, a director of Shiraz California Wines on Wigan Road, Bolton, had denied selling the fake “Regal” and “Richmond” cigarettes on October 24 last year.

But, following a trial at Bolton Magistrates’ Court, Ahmadi was convicted of the offences. He was fined £666 and was ordered to pay £2,000 in costs plus a £66 victim surcharge.

The business was also convicted of trademark offences and selling illegally packaged cigarettes, which did not carry proper health warnings. he company had also denied the offences but was convicted, fined £100 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge.