A former civil servant has been fined and ordered to carry out unpaid work after admitting running an illegal tobacco operation for more than a year
A HOLYHEAD man who admitted selling illicit tobacco over a prolonged period has been sentenced by magistrates and ordered to carry out unpaid community work.
Barry Anthony Cassidy, of Picinhirnos Lane, Holyhead, appeared at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 6, where he was sentenced for offences linked to the illegal sale of tobacco.
Mr Cassidy had previously pleaded guilty in November 2025 to being concerned in a fraudulent business, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006, and to concealing or converting criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The court imposed a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and ordered him to pay a total of £2,541.07, made up of £2,427.07 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
The prosecution was brought by Anglesey Trading Standards, working in partnership with the Welsh regional Operation CeCe illicit tobacco team.
Magistrates heard that a warrant executed at Mr Cassidy’s home, together with forensic analysis of his mobile phone, revealed evidence that he had been selling illegal tobacco between March 2023 and June 2024. It was estimated that his activities resulted in a financial loss of more than £10,000, through unpaid duty and lost trade to legitimate retailers.
A pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service revealed that Mr Cassidy had been employed as a manager with the Department for Work and Pensions for over 30 years.
While Mr Cassidy admitted making a financial gain from the illegal sales, he claimed the profit was limited, stating that he earned around £10 per sleeve of 200 cigarettes. However, the Probation Service told the court they believed there was “more to it than simply making £10 here and there”.
During sentencing, Mr Cassidy expressed remorse and said he had not fully appreciated the wider impact of his actions on legitimate businesses or the loss of public revenue.
Councillor Nicola Roberts, Anglesey Council’s Public Protection portfolio holder, welcomed the sentence.
She said: “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 tobacco sales were identified and that Barry Anthony Cassidy has been brought to account for his crimes.”
Anglesey Trading Standards said enforcement action against illicit tobacco remains a priority due to its links with organised crime, lost tax revenue and harm to local businesses.
