A local authority in the north east has fined a sex doll company £10,000 for operating without a licence.

Gateshead Council received a complaint that LD Europe Limited, run by a Graeme Tulip, was operating a 'try before you buy' service for its range of sex dolls.

After a thorough investigation of the premises, which included a showroom and a bedroom, council officers concluded the business would require a Sex Establishment Licence.

In a later interview Mr Tulip conceded he required such a licence and had not attempted to get one.

LD Europe Limited was convicted at Gateshead Magistrates Court of knowingly using their premises as a sex establishment without obtaining a licence.

Magistrates fined the company £10,000 with £600 costs.