A Chester shop owner has been ordered to pay £400,000 after repeatedly selling illegal vape and tobacco products.

The sole director of Mosh News Trading Ltd - which traded as City News and Vape Hut on Bridge Street - was sentenced at Chester Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple Trading Standards offences.

Inspectors seized more than 2,800 illegal vaping devices during their first visit alone, with many containing nicotine levels several times above the UK legal limit.

Despite being warned and given advice by Trading Standards officers, the business continued selling illegal products, the court heard.

Further inspections uncovered more non-compliant vapes and illicit tobacco - including stock hidden in concealed compartments and locked storage areas.

Judge Everett said he was "very unimpressed" that further illegal activity took place shortly after the defendant had spoken to probation, highlighting concerns about honesty and compliance.

While a prison sentence was not imposed, the court handed down a series of financial penalties, including £3,000 in fines linked to illegal vape offences and a £400,000 confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The defendant has six months to pay.

The court also warned the premises would now be viewed as a legitimate target for future enforcement action.

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Judge Everett highlighted the wider public health risks associated with illegal vapes and stressed that retailers must understand and comply with the law.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's Director of Environment and Communities, Maria Byrne, said: "In this case, thousands of illegal products were seized, and the offender now faces a £400,000 confiscation order on top of fines.

"That is a significant financial penalty that reflects the seriousness of these offences. Illegal vapes can pose real risks to people's health, and we will not tolerate businesses putting profit before public safety.

"Our Trading Standards team will continue to take firm action. If you are breaking the law, you can expect to be caught, and you can expect the consequences."