A Rotherham man has received a suspended prison sentence for offences related to the supply of illegal electronic cigarettes in Barnsley.

On 31 August 2023, Omid Swatiwal was found to be supplying electronic cigarettes from Saving Store in Peel Square which had a nicotine volume of more than 2 millilitres or contained nicotine in excess of 20 milligrams per millilitre.

The items were also supplied without a leaflet containing instructions for use, traceability contact details, the batch number, and a health warning that the product contains nicotine - a highly addictive substance.

Mr Swatiwal was sentenced on Wednesday 13 June 2024 for offences contrary to 36, 37 and 48(d) of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. He was given two months custody on each offence to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.

He received a nine-month community order, a costs order of £1,359 and is to pay a victim surcharge of £154. The goods seized as part of the case were forfeited and ordered to be destroyed.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, said: "This is a very serious case which put unsuspecting members of the public at risk.

"All tobacco poses a significant health risk, so it's vital that products like e-cigarettes meet legal requirements, come with the right safety information and are properly labelled. Ignorance is no excuse and this case shows that we will take action where required.

"We're fully committed to cutting down the availability and preventing the sales of illegal tobacco and vapes in Barnsley. I’d like to thank our Regulatory Services and Legal Services teams for their assistance in this prosecution."