AN 80-year-old man has been caught with fake cigarettes which he planned to sell.

James Brown, of Tovey Road, Pinehurst, appeared before Swindon magistrates charged with four counts of the same offence.

The court heard that he had been caught with counterfeit cigarettes purporting to be Benson and Hedges, Lambert and Butler, Marlboro and Mayfair brands with the intention to sell or distribute them.

Magistrates did not feel that their sentencing powers were sufficient for the offence at the hearing on May 9 and sent Brown to the crown court for sentencing.

He was released on unconditional bail until then.