BUSINESSMAN who sold vodka with the same chemical make up as screen wash to a pub owner was today (Thursday, June 2) ordered to pay more than £17,000 in fines and costs.

Ranjit Singh had denied eight charges, including failing to comply with EU food safety laws, false labelling, false trademarks and engaging in unfair commercial practices.

But he was convicted following an earlier trial at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court when Sonny Gill, who previously admitted selling the spirits, told the magistrates long-time family friend Singh had supplied him.

Passing sentence today the chairman of the bench, Gordon Heslop said Singh had “flagrantly disregarded the law”.

He said: “This was aggravated by the fact that the offences were motivated by financial gain.

“You denied they were counterfeit from the beginning and didn’t cooperate with the authorities and therefore demonstrated no remorse.”

Kamila Coulson-Patel, the solicitor representing Durham County Council, said: "There has been a serious disregard for the health of persons consuming the vodka later identified as unfit for human consumption.

“Some members of the public did say it tasted funny. We have not been able trace the original source of the vodka, which itself is a concern.

“Customers have potentially been defrauded and at worst their health put at risk through the selling of goods unfit for human consumption.”

The case arose after police and trading standards officers raided Mr Gill’s premises in Consett, seizing a total of 329 bottles of illicit liquor on November 8, 2014.

The court was told 148 bottles of Kommissar vodka were recovered from the Coach and Horses pub and 174 bottles from Chaplains.

Mr Gill, who has since sold the premises, was ordered at a separate hearing to pay £10,000 in fines and costs after admitting similar charges, based on neglect.

Geoffrey Forrester, mitigating for Singh, said: “A report (prepared for the court) makes clear Mr Singh is a decent man and there are no previous matters. He is in poor health and maintains he has an income of about £200 a week.”

He added: “Even taking into account the difference in plea it would be wrong for this defendant to be treated more harshly than Mr Gill.”

Singh, 58, of Mullen Road, Wallsend was given the option of paying £17,175 owed to the court in monthly instalments.