TWO North-East shopkeepers have been convicted of selling spray-paint to under-age children as part of a crackdown on graffiti yobs.
Car spares salesmen Steven Ball, 29, and Matthew Taylor, 70, of MAS Autoparts, in Chillingham Road, Newcastle, received combined fines of more than £500 after they were caught out by an undercover teenager.
Using new powers, Newcastle City Council trading standards officers took action after the 13-year-old was sold a £2 spray-can.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 made it illegal to sell spray-paint to anyone under the age of 16. After council bosses decided to enforce the law in Newcastle, trading standards officers began their blitz on Tyneside stores.
Ball and Taylor are the first in Britain to appear before the courts for such offences.
Ball, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £55 in costs. The same punishment was handed to Taylor, a partner in the business.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article