🚨 DWP Manager Busted for Dodgy Tobacco Deals 🚨
Barry Anthony Cassidy, a long-time manager at the Department of Work and Pensions, has found himself on the wrong side of the law! After serving for over 30 years, Cassidy pleaded guilty to selling illegal tobacco. The Caernarfon Magistrates Court handed him a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, a £2,427.07 fine, and a £114 victim surcharge.
Anglesey Trading Standards and the Operation CeCe illicit tobacco team joined forces to bring this case forward. A raid on his Anglesey home revealed evidence of him selling illegal tobacco from March 2023 to June 2024. The financial impact? A staggering loss of over £10,000 due to unpaid duty and lost trade for honest businesses.
Cassidy claimed he only made a £10 profit per sleeve of 200 cigarettes and expressed regret, insisting he hadn’t realised the damage he was causing. Despite his remorse, the Probation Service hinted there might be more to the story than just small gains.
Councillor Nicola Roberts praised the collaboration between agencies for catching Cassidy in the act. “This case highlights the power of teamwork in tackling illegal tobacco sales,” she stated, thankful for the diligent work of Trading Standards officers.
Cassidy’s tale serves as a stark reminder: crime doesn’t pay! Stay tuned for more updates on this story and others. 📰