Hastings shop boss slapped with suspended sentence for flogging illegal fags, booze & vapes to kids
Lhon Karimi, 29, from Devonshire Road, narrowly dodged jail after being caught red-handed selling dodgy cigarettes, booze, and vapes to underage customers at his Delboys shop on Castle Street.
Suspended Sentence and Fines
Karimi was handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence, hit with a £230 fine, and ordered to stump up £500 costs at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on April 24. The court heard how he pleaded guilty to nine offences spanning 2023 and 2024 following a tough probe by East Sussex Trading Standards.
Illegal Goods & Underage Sales
The court found Karimi sold counterfeit cigarettes and illicit vaping products alongside alcohol to minors. His actions broke several laws, including the Trade Marks Act, Licensing Act, and Children and Families Act. Initially denying the charges, he switched to guilty at the start of his trial in December.
All illegal stock was ordered destroyed by the court.
Council Cracks Down on Shop Cheats
“This case highlights our firm commitment to tackling illegal sales that put young people at risk and undermine responsible businesses in our community,” said Cllr Penny di Cara, lead for Community Safety.
She vowed that Trading Standards would keep teaming up with law enforcement and licensing bodies to hunt down and punish repeat offenders.
Protecting the Public from Dangerous Goods
The sale of illegal tobacco and dodgy vaping products is a growing worry for public health experts. Counterfeit goods can seriously harm users, while underage access to vapes and alcohol leads to long-term damage.
Residents are urged to report suspicious sales to East Sussex Trading Standards or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
