A smuggler from Kent has been jailed for six months.

James Penman, 53, of Ceil Villas, Worth near Deal, was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to six counts of being knowingly concerned in the evasion of excise duty.

Mr Penman had been intercepted by custom officers on a number of occasions between October 2006 and August 2007 at Dover’s Eastern Docks, the Inward Tourist Controls at the UK controlled zone in Coquelles and at Ashford International Station after arriving in the UK by Eurostar train carrying varying quantities of hand rolling tobacco, cigarettes and cigars.

The amount of revenue evaded by Mr Penman totalled £8,500, while he had previously been sentenced to two and half years for the same type offence in 1999.

Sentencing Mr Penman at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Martin Joy said: "This is a case where you have had repeated warnings from Customs. It is as if you were saying that Customs can not do anything, however the courts can.

"You are a persistent offender. Sheer persistence, despite warnings make a custodial sentence inevitable."

Bev Morgan, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman, said: "This sentencing will send out a clear and powerful message that we, along with the newly formed UK Border Agency, will take firm action against smugglers on all rungs of the criminal ladder. Regional ports should not be seen as a soft touch by those looking to make quick profits through illegal trading activities."

Anyone with information relating to suspected stolen or illegally imported goods can call 0800 59 5000.