Holyhead man selling tobacco illegally sentenced
Barry Anthony Cassidy, of Picinhirnos Lane, Holyhead, had previously pleaded guilty to being involved in a fraudulent business (Fraud Act 2006) and concealing/converting criminal property (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002) back in November 2025.
During a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday, January 6th), he was sentenced to a 12-month community order of 150 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay a total of £2,541.07 (consisting of £2,427.07 costs and £114 victim surcharge).
The case against Mr Cassidy was brought by Anglesey Trading Standards in partnership with Welsh regional Operation CeCe illicit tobacco team.
The Court heard how a warrant executed at his home and subsequent forensic analysis of his mobile phone provided evidence that Mr Cassidy had been selling illicit tobacco between March 2023 and June 2024. It was calculated that his actions had resulted in a financial loss of over £10,000, through a combination of non-payment of duty and loss of custom to legitimate businesses.
In a pre-sentence report provided by the Probation Service it was revealed that Mr Cassidy was employed as a manager in Department of Work and Pensions for over 30 years.
Photo by Haim Charbit on Unsplash
Despite admitting to having made a financial gain Mr Cassidy claimed it was not a significant amount, claiming to only make £10 profit on each sleeve of 200 cigarette.
However, the Probation Service cautioned that they believed there ‘must have been more to it than simply making £10 here and there’.
Mr Cassidy expressed remorse for his actions claiming he hadn’t appreciated the wider implications of his actions in effecting legitimate businesses and loss of revenue.
Anglesey’s Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts, welcomed the sentence. She added, “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.”