Smuggler finally jailed for £7m alcohol fraud

A man reputed to be Britain's most audacious alcohol smuggler is finally behind bars.

Samuel Lord of Penny Hedge in Barton-on-Sea, New Milton in Hampshire, first appeared in court on April 6 charged with his part in a £7m alcohol fraud that involved smuggling spirits from Belgium and selling them to the general public and licensees.

But Mr Lord fled from the court before Judge Darlow could pass sentence.

His partner in crime, Barry William Beardall from Marine Drive, Barton-on-Sea, was sent to jail for six and a half years and a third man, Mohammed Salim Patel, from Ridge View Road, North London, was sentenced to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty.

For more than two months, Customs & Excise (C&E) had been hunting Mr Lord who was hiding at the Rockley Caravan Park in Poole, Dorset.

A spokesman at C&E told thePublican.com that sentencing had been adjourned until August 16.

He added: "This illegal trade undermines the honest trade and we're pleased that Mr Lord has been found and put behind bars."