September 24, 2019 9.47 am This story is over 54 months old

Man fined for selling unsafe toys during Lincoln Christmas Market

He sold unsafe fart bombs, magic whistles and squirty ketchup

A man caught selling unsafe toys to children on the High Street during the Lincoln Christmas Market last year has been fined.

Dale Thomas, 52 of Wellfield Terrace in Todmorden, pleaded guilty to five charges at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay £2,531.

As part of routine inspections, Trading Standards officers investigated the fart bombs, magic whistles and squirty ketchup the trader was selling.

A magic whistle Mr Thomas was selling.

The products had small parts, no CE or any safety warnings, as well as no traceability.

Emma Milligan, Trading Standards manager, said: “It’s so important that traders know and understand product safety regulations.

“The consequences of selling these items to children could be devastating. A young child could have choked on the small parts of the toys.”

Trading Standards has urged anyone who sees a trader selling unsafe goods to contact the team through Citizens Advice on 0345 404 0506.