R v Chapple, McDermott, Mohammed & Pigasiou. On the 7th September a long-running case involving a multi-national conspiracy to import cigarettes came to a conclusion with the sentencing in Liverpool of a Cypriot rally driver and local politician, who had been extradited to face trial. He was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment; earlier, 3 others involved in the conspiracy, including two men whom the Judge described as "professional criminals" were jailed for a total of 10 years and 9 months for their part in importing 23 million cigarettes, evading nearly £4 1/2 million in duty.
Darren Preston prosecuted the case from the start to its successful conclusion.