A PINNER shop owner has been fined after he was caught selling a knife to a 15-year-old girl.

Prabhulal Shah, 64, was prosecuted by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards after an incident during a test purchase carried out by the girl and a 13-year-old boy.

The boy approached the counter at Pinner Village Store, in Bridge Street, and asked to buy a carving knife.

Mr Shah failed to question either of the children's ages and, as a result, was hauled before Harrow Magistrates Court on November 3 and fined £400 with £600 costs.

In a similar case also brought before magistrates, Jayalakshmi Nagarajan, 42, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 costs after a 15-year-old boy was sold beer at J Mini Mart, in Station Parade, Kenton Lane.

After the test purchase, it transpired the cashier was only 18-years-old and had worked at the store for just one month, another breach of Ms Nagarajan's licence.

Bill Bilon, head of Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, said: “I hope that these cases send a clear message to those involved in the sale of age- restricted goods that they cannot take anything for granted and must remain vigilant at all times to prevent children being exposed to dangers associated with these products, or face prosecution.”