Trader says he had no idea that cigarettes were inside container (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Trader says he had no idea that cigarettes were inside container

9:44pm Thursday 3rd December 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A businessman has told a jury he knew nothing about a consignment of three million cigarettes smuggled to Bradford from China.

David Reed, who imported toys and household goods, said he had no idea the cigarettes were in a container bound for an industrial unit in Tong Park, Baildon.

Bradford Crown Court has heard the cigarettes were seized when Customs officials raided the unit on November 21 last year.

They arrested Ross Fallon, of Glenwood Avenue, Baildon, Shipley, who has pleaded guilty to fraudulently evading duty on cigarettes. The court has heard the Inland Revenue would have been cheated out of more than £600,000.

Reed, 30, of Prince’s Crescent, Bolton, Bradford, denies the charge.

Prosecutor Stephen Uttley said the container arrived in Felixstowe from the China on November 16 last year. It was said to contain household goods, including cleaning materials.

Reed said he ran his business from Legrams Mill, Legrams Lane, Bradford.

He said he was importing plastic toys and household goods from China for his shops, Mr Value and Great Home Stores, in Bradford.

Reed said he also imported tyres and traded in fireworks. He said he had known Fallon since school days and they were best friends.

Reed said he gave his friend advice about setting up a business importing from China. Reed said he went to Scotland on the day the container arrived at Baildon.

He found out the next day that it contained the cigarettes. The trial continues.