A BUSINESSMAN has spoken of his devastation at losing his business after he was put on trial for illegally importing millions of cigarettes.

Haulage boss Stuart Taylor said he and his family were "gutted" at the collapse of their business, which employed 42 people.

"It has taken us 19 years to build the business up to what it is and now there is nothing left," said Mr Taylor, of Balderstone.

Mr Taylor, 43, has been on trial at Manchester Crown Court in a case in which he denied conspiring to avoid millions of pounds of duty on cigarettes.

After four weeks of the trial, the judge ordered ordered a retrial and discharged the jury.

Mr Taylor said the effect of the trial had been a major factor in the failure of his business. "We have had no backing off customers and the financial supporters of the company pulled out on day one of the trial," he said.

"It has been devastating and now after all this we have to wait for a new trial. This wil be hanging over us for another year."

In response to some workers' claims that they are still owed wages by the firm, Mr Taylor said: "It may be the case for one or two them."

The firm hit the headlines in 1997 after 17 of his drivers were trapped in a French blockade.

Trucks from throughout the country were trapped in France during the 11-day blockade.

Drivers carrying fruit and fish from Spain were grounded after their French counterparts campaigned for better conditions and lower fuel prices.

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