A KNUTSFORD SHOPKEEPER who was fined for selling cigarettes to a teenage girl has said it was his business’ first mistake in 21 years.

Qamar Parvez, who owns Friendly Fayer Convenience Store in Knutsford, said he and his wife Jamila pleaded guilty and the case should not have had to go to court.

“People will think I’m a really bad person,” he said.

“But sometimes you do make a mistake. We made a genuine mistake.”

“They could have resolved it without going to court.”

Mr and Mrs Parvez pleaded guilty after Cheshire East Trading Standards organised a successful undercover operation at the store in Longridge.

Mrs Parvez sold a packet of 10 Superking cigarettes to the Trading Standards 15-year-old volunteer without asking for proof of her age.

The court fined each of them £160, with a £15 surcharge.

They were also each ordered to pay £409 in court costs.

However, last week Mr Parvez said his customers knew that he usually regularly checked people’s identification when selling alcohol or cigarettes.

“I know everybody here,” he said. “Ask anyone about my shop.”

About two years ago Mr Parvez’s brother-in-law and nephew were assaulted after they refused to sell cigarettes to a customer.

He believes the offenders have never been caught.

However, Mr Parvez said the incident should not be an excuse for selling cigarettes illegally.

The trader, who lives in Manchester, saw a photograph of the girl who bought the pack from his shop, and said that his wife should have asked for identification.

“I would have asked her myself,” he said. “She doesn’t look 18.”

Last week a customer called the Guardian to defend Mr Parvez, saying that he was an honest shopkeeper who was trying to earn a living.

A spokesman from Cheshire East Trading Standards said that it took action because the sale of cigarettes to children was a serious issue.

The spokesman added that the prosecution should serve as a warning to any other stores who may not be thoroughly checking ages of their customers.