14/02/2007

Selling ice-cream to children outside a school landed Raj Kumar in Crawley Magistrates Court on Monday (February 12).

Kumar, 39, of Victoria Road, West Green, Crawley, pleaded guilty to four offences of street trading in prohibited streets. He was fined a total of £250 with £250 towards the prosecution costs.

Leo Nwoye, prosecuting for Crawley Borough Council, said that last June Kumar was spotted selling ice cream twice in Queensway, once in Buckswood Drive, Gossops Green and once in Woburn Road, Gossops Green. Street trading is prohibited in all these roads.

On the two occasions in Gossops Green, pupils of Holy Trinity School were crossing a very busy road to reach his van, prompting concerns for the children's safety.

After the hearing, Angela Tanner, head of environmental services at Crawley Council said: "We are, of course, disappointed by the level of the fine. We felt that children's safety had been put at risk and that it was important for the Council to take action. However, Mr Kumar now has a criminal record which does reflect the seriousness of the offence and should also act as a deterrent to others."

Issued by Janet Treagus.

Tel 01293 438399, email janet.treagus@crawley.gov.uk