A shop that sold vapes to two 14-year-olds must pay more than £5,000 - just two months after landing in court for the same crime.

Fone Us Edgware Ltd, was fined at Willesden Magistrates Court on March 21 after the company was caught selling vapes to two 14-year-olds by Barnet Council’s Trading Standards team.

The company's director, Sheroz Talib, pleaded guilty on behalf of the business to the charge of selling nicotine products to persons aged under 18.

The court heard how the vapes were sold without any age checks being made, just two months after a previous conviction for the same type of offence. Trading Standards officers were not satisfied necessary training was provided.

Following the incident, Mr Talib apologised for the sale, stating that training is provided and that he has shop signs to this effect.

He added that the employee who sold the vapes has been sacked.

Fone Us Edgware Ltd was fined £1,667 fine and ordered to pay a £666 victim surcharge and £2,895 costs – a total of £5,228.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: "Whilst we are pleased that the total costs to be paid for this offence are £5,228, it is disappointing that this trader had not learnt from his previous conviction where he was fined a total of £3,334.

"The protection of children is of paramount importance and our Trading Standards Team are determined to stamp out the underage sales of vapes."