NEWPORT trading standards prosecuted three traders as it continues its crackdown on rogue operators in the city.

Its key objectives are stopping deceitful doorstep traders preying on consumers at their homes, preventing unscrupulous shops selling alcohol and cigarettes to children and tackling trade in counterfeit goods.

The three traders prosecuted by Newport City Council trading standards on October 20 included Robert Dixon, who was trading as RD Landscapes.

Abergavenny Magistrates Court heard Dixon made an unsolicited call to the home of a pensioner in Bettws, offering to carry out gardening work.

He was ordered to pay a £600 fine and £200 prosecution costs after admitting not giving the pensioner the statutory seven day cancellation period.

Craig Michael Sheady was fined £500 and £100 prosecution costs for selling counterfeit goods clothing from the boot of a car in December 2008.

Waheed Akthar, propreitor of Cromwell Road Stores was also ordered to pay a total of £895 after admitting selling cigarettes to a 14-year-old.