A LABOUR councillor faces a crown court trial over allegations his shop was selling bootleg vodka.

Councillor Ali Bakir, 42, was quizzed last November after trading standards officers from Ealing Council discovered what they believe to be fake Glenn's vodka in the West Ealing shop.

Today he appeared at Ealing Magistrates Court and pleaded not guilty to three charges of possession of counterfeit goods.

Although the matter could have been tried by magistrates Cllr Bakir asked for it to be sent to Crown Court where he will face a trial by jury.

The Haslebury ward member, who sits on several committees and the board of Enfield Homes, is due to appear again at Ealing Magistrates Court on April 4.