A sex shop owner who tried to dupe the council by sending false application documents could have his new licence request refused.

William Beach, who has run the Book Parade store on Edgar Street in Accrington for 32 years, was convicted by Blackburn Magistrates Court last month for making a false statement in connection with an application for a sex establishment licence in 2014 and 2015.

Hyndburn council has revealed how Mr Beach had sent them two duplicate cuttings of a public notice published in a newspaper in 2013 advertising an application to renew his sex entertainment licence – instead of paying for new public notices in the local press in 2014 and 2015.

Howard Bee, licensing manager at Hyndburn council, has now submitted an objection to the council over Mr Beach’s application to renew his sex shop licence.

In a letter to the council, Mr Bee said in addition to the false statements, Mr Beach had also breached two licensing conditions - by using a sandwich board on a public highway to advertise the sex shop without written consent, and also advertising ‘poppers’ at the premises without the required certification.

Council documents show that the 87-year-old had cut off the date of the newspaper clipping to try and fool the licensing officers. However, he was rumbled after they noticed the same horse meeting information on the back of the clippings.

The council said: “Both clippings for the 2014 and 2015 applications are dated September 2 but the year has been removed.

“Upon further investigation it transpired that the clippings used in 2015 and 2014 applications were actually from September 6, 2013.

“The reverse side of the cutting contains exactly the same information about the 3.10 horse race at Newcastle on September 6, 2013 as the actual race card published that day.”

The council confirmed Beach was offered two opportunities to attend interviews and explain under caution why he had submitted the false statements, however he responded in writing and declined their invitations.

Beach, of Birch Grove, Stoke-on-Trent, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £180 costs.

Book Parade did not respond to the Observer to a request for comment.

A decision will be made by councillors on Thursday, March 3.