A SOUTHAMPTON couple have escaped prison after smuggling almost 80 kilogrammes of tobacco into the UK – despite neither of them smoking.

Husband and wife James and Tracey Holland, of Effingham Gardens in Sholing, evaded £18,702.79 from HM revenue and customs after bringing in the tobacco over three occasions last summer.

Mr Holland, 52, and his wife, 50, first brought in 33kg in June after friends and family had requested tobacco while they were on holiday.

Stuffing it in their suitcases and not declaring it, the pair then took 32.54kg of rolling tobacco into Bournemouth Airport in August.

Finally, Mr Holland brought 12.4kg through Gatwick Airport in September.

Mr Holland pleaded guilty to all three offences and was given an 18-week sentence, suspended for 12 months after evading £18,702.79 from HMS revenue and customs.

Mrs Holland also pleaded guilty to the two offences, and was given an eight-week sentence, also suspended for 12 months after her two trips left the revenue service £15,755.07 out of pocket.

Defence barrister Barry Keel said Mr Holland acknowledged that he was the “prime mover” in the operation, with Mrs Holland “feeling that it was wrong”.

Southampton Magistrates Court heard that although neither of them smoked, their five children are “heavy smokers” and had asked their parents to pick up tobacco while they were away.

One of the couple’s children lives in Spain, which the defence said explained the pair’s frequent trips to Europe.

In mitigation, the court heard that the couple “knew they had been stupid”, and should have stopped taking requests from family and friends that was “going to get them into trouble".

Presiding, magistrate Derek Alan said that the couple should realise their crimes were serious.

Addressing Mr Holland, he said: “These offences are quite serious. You say you realise you had been stupid, but then proceeded to do it another two times.

“Next time you go abroad, enjoy the holiday and don’t bring any contraband back with you.”