A PROLIFIC offender, well known in Thurrock for selling illegal tobacco, has been fined £180 for his latest offence – and hit with costs and a surcharge totalling for than £1,500.

72-year-old Jonathan Bond, of Seabrooke Rise, Grays, appeared before Basildon Magistrates' Court and admitted six charges related to unlawfully selling cigarettes and rolling tobacco outside Central Café, on Clarence Road in the town - without the consent of the proprietor - that were in fake packaging and did not carry a health warning.

The charges were brought by Thurrock Council, whose enforcement officers has apprehended Bond in the town.

Bond's plea of guilty to all charges was taken into account in relation to the level of the fine of £180 but in addition he was ordered to pay costs of £1,532 and a victim surcharge of £34. He has to pay off the total of £1,746 at £100 a month.

In 2018 Bond made headlines when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court but collapsed in the dock. Bond fell to his knees in the dock, complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains, as he appeared before a judge for sentencing after pleading guilty at Basildon Magistrates' Court to 16 charges relating to selling illegal tobbaco in Grays.

He recovered but now uses a mobile chair to get about Grays where he has continued to offend.