A MAN who sold bootleg cigarettes from the boot of his car has been convicted of evading duty.

Arthur Pickard, 68, of Ruislip Close, Stockton, was caught selling duty-free cigarettes in Stockton town centre.

Yesterday, at Teesside Crown Court, he admitted six charges of fraudulent evasion of duty amounting to £4,222 over a period of six months.

Prosecutor Alec Burns told the court that another 13,000 cigarettes and 41 litres of spirits were found in his home.

Pickard, a doorman, was ordered to carry out 150 hours' community service work and forfeit £1,285 of bootleg proceeds also found at his home.

Judge Leslie Spittle told him: "While the likes of you are on the streets

selling cheap booze and baccy, shops are going out of business at an alarming rate.