TWO men who sold potentially lethal illicit vodka using an illegal drink delivery service have been spared jail

Robbie Purdham and Ross Connell were sentenced to 12 month community orders after appearing before Consett Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard they were arrested after licensing officers became aware of the sale of the counterfeit spirit made using industrial strength alcohol when it was advertised on Facebook.

They set up undercover test purchase operations and bottles of the counterfeit Glen’s vodka was bought by a community support officer and a 16-year-old girl on two separate occasions.

Vicky Wilson, prosecuting, said: “The alcohol was tested and found to be harmful for human consumption.

“The vodka was examined and found not to be genuine. It contained industrial strength alcohol.”

Purdham, 24, of William Street, South Moor, Stanley, pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to a 16-year-old girl, two charges of selling goods with packaging likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark and taking part in a licensable activity. He will have to complete 180 hours unpaid work.

Connell, 32, of Palm Terrace, Tantobie Stanley, pleaded guilty to selling goods with packaging likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark, taking part in a licensable activity and producing a class B drug. The court was told he had a cannabis plant. He was also sentenced to 140 hours unpaid work.

The charges relate to offences committed between August 21 and 31 this year.

The Facebook group - R&R (Robbie & Ross) dial a drink... STANLEY AREA – has over 1,300 members.

After their arrest police seized a further four bottles of the vodka, up to 20 bottles of wine, 60 cans of lager, 48 bottles of beer and 48 cans of cider from a house in nearby South Moor.

Victoria Oliver, who represented both men said: “Both gentlemen did try to the alcohol before they sold it and they could not find anything wrong with it. Had they been aware they would not have put it forward for sale.”