A Morecambe removals company boss who was caught on his own dashcam as he tried to smuggle two million cigarettes into the UK, has been jailed.
Thomas Coulton, 42, from Globe Drive in the town, was sentenced to two and a half years after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Coulton owns the Heysham-based Tommy’s Removals and Storage company. He was stopped in his lorry by Border Force officers at the Port of Dover’s Eastern Docks on 27th February 2019 after he arrived on a ferry from France.
Officers searched the lorry and found two million counterfeit Mayfair cigarettes in the trailer. Coulton and his employee Reece Fox, 20, also from Globe Drive in Morecambe, were arrested. The duty evaded on the cigarettes was £615,805.
Dashcam footage revealed the men’s panicked conversation and swearing as the lorry was pulled over, with Coulton heard to say: “These are going to be all over us. You just remember what we’ve said.”
Tom Hunnisett, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:
“Cheap cigarettes come at a cost as they often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking. Smugglers are criminals who don’t care who they sell to including children.
“The trade in illicit cigarettes damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders including small, independent corner shops that serve local communities.
“Anyone with information about people or businesses involved in the sale, storage or smuggling of illicit tobacco can contact HMRC online. Search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.”
HMRC’s investigations revealed that the men travelled to Brittany in France three days earlier to collect the contents of a house move, but took a detour to Tamines, Belgium on their return to the UK to pick up the cigarettes.
Above: Reece Fox
Examination of the lorry’s tachograph was conducted which showed that the vehicle had made a previous visit to Tamines, Belgium.
Both men pleaded guilty to the evasion of excise duty at Maidstone Crown Court. Coulton was sentenced to 30 months in jail and Fox was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
