Councillor sold illegal cigarettes

A public representative who defrauded the State by selling contraband cigarettes has refused to resign her seat.

Tara O’Connell, a Labour Party member of Youghal town council, was convicted of selling imported Spanish cigarettes after being caught in an operation by Customs.

A Revenue spokeswoman confirmed Ms O’Connell, a 40-year-old mother-of-one, was recently convicted and fined €2,500.