Halfords fined over paint sale

The Newbury store sold an aerosol paint container to a person under the age of 16

NEWBURY'S Halfords store was caught ilegally selling aerosol paint in a sting operation by trading standards chiefs.

Last Thursday, December 8, Halfords Limited was convicted of an offence of selling an aerosol paint container to a person under the age of 16, contrary to the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Newbury magistrates heard a test purchase exercise was conducted by West Berkshire Council's trading standards officers on July 27 last year, as part of a joint initiative with Thames Valley Police.

Local retailers had been advised of the campaign, which was designed to tackle anti social behaviour such as graffiti, in advance.

However, the court heard, when a 13-year-old volunteer visited Halfords Limited at Greenham Road Retail Park, Newbury, a sales assistant sold spray paint to them.

The store denied the offence and, during a two-day trial, argued that they were not guilty as they had taken all reasonable steps to avoid the commission of the offence.

However District Judge Lynne Matthews convicted the company.

Halfords Limited was fined £1,000 with £15 victim surcharge.

The company was also ordered to pay the full cost of the prosecution.

West Berkshire Council's executive member for public protection, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley), said afterwards: “The council takes the enforcement of age related legislation very seriously and this case helps to demonstrate the responsibility of the retailer in ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation. Graffiti is an anti-social activity and a crime that has a negative impact on the communities which suffer from this problem."