A Romford man has been fined more than £2,000 after he was caught illegally delivering parcels without a licence.

Theodor Gutu was picked up trading illegally in Barking during a routine patrol by Barking and Dagenham Council's environmental enforcement officers on December 22 last year.

They found a large commercial coach and two vans packed with parcels.

A makeshift table with papers, two mobile phones, and a large industrial weighing scale were also discovered.

Mr Gutu, of Straight Road, Romford, admitted he was delivering parcels to people from his country, who now live in England, and was being paid for this service.

Officers Environmental enforcement officers from Barking and Dagenham Council discovered a large coach and two vans of parcels (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council) He confessed to having no street trading licence and was issued a fixed penalty notice of £150.

RELATED NEWS: Collier Row electrician used Covid loans for designer clothing

But Mr Gutu refused to pay the fine and was summonsed to Barkingside Magistrates' Court on August 13.

In his absence, he was found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of £1,000, costs to Barking and Dagenham Council of £737, and a victim surcharge of £400.

Cllr Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: "We are committed to ensuring that all street trading activities in the borough are conducted legally and fairly.

"This incident is a reminder that unlicensed trading not only undermines legitimate businesses but also unregulated commercial activities pose potential risks to the community.

"We urge all traders to comply with the necessary regulations to avoid similar consequences."