A former shop owner has admitted selling sub-standard counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes.

Emrah Alagoz, 28, a previous director of Forest Road Supermarket in Walthamstow, appeared before Thames Magistrates Court on Friday where his company, Co Alagoz Ltd, faced six charges of engaging in unfair commercial practice.

On behalf of the company, Mr Alagoz of Frankland Road in Chingford, pleaded guilty to all charges.

The shop was visited by Trading Standards officers, representatives from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the International Federation of Spirits Producers on November 15 last year.

During a search of the shop, eight bottles of Famous Grouse whisky, four litres of Glen’s Vodka, three bottles of High Commissioner and six bottles of Smirnoff Vodka, as well as nine packets of 20 Marlboro Gold, were found.

Each had a stamp to create the impression they could be legally sold in the UK, but were found to be counterfeit.

Prosecutor for the council, Mr Krishnan, told the court that when interviewed, Mr Alagoz said people try to sell stock to shops in the borough on an almost daily basis.

Samples of the vodka found in the shop were sent to a laboratory where they were analysed by a scientist.

It was discovered the vodka was only 32 per cent volume, when it should have been 37.5 and was “inferior quality”.

Alagoz Co solicitors argued that Mr Alagoz believed the seller was shutting his own shop and was looking to get rid of stock.

The company’s lawyer Mr Haz said: “It is my submission that it is a step too far to suggest he knowingly went out to harm the public.

“He accepts his actions were reckless.

“He is a person of previous good character.

“Since proceedings began Mr Alagoz’s company has failed. The company is in the process of being wound up.

“He fully accepts he is responsible as company director.”

The company was fined a total of £1,470.