Food vendor faces further penalties for continuing to unlawfully trade

A food vendor unlawfully trading in Abingdon has been fined thousands of pounds, having already been prosecuted earlier this year.

On 12 January 2024, Ozgur Kayaoglu, 49, of Thornford Drive, Westlea, Swindon, was fined nearly £10,000 in fines and costs for unlawfully trading in a layby near Abingdon.

But Mr Kayaoglu continued to sell food illegally out of a VW Crafter Van in the layby along the A415 Marcham Road between the A34 and the minor road to Shippon and on 31 May further charges against him were heard at Oxford Magistrates’ Court for unlawful street trading on 23 January, 6 February, 16 February, 28 March and 2 April 2024.

The court heard the dangers of illegally trading, including the fact that the council has no control over the food being sold and the vehicle from which the food is being served, posing a serious risk to the public.

Mr Kayaoglu, who did not attend the hearing, was ordered to pay £800 for each of the five charges of unlawful street trading (£4,000), a victim surcharge of £1,600 and £780 towards prosecution costs.

Mr Kayaoglu has been given 28 days to pay the fines imposed on 31 May 2024.

ENDS