TWO brothers have been spared jail after they admitted running a business selling unlicensed Viagra-style drugs.

Matthew Knight, 27, and Charlie Knight, 21, of Station Road, Hatfield Peverel, operated under the name MedKnight Services and were selling the medicines to customers in the UK and across Europe on eBay.

They were investigated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which found more than 19,000 doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines during a raid on a property in Hatfield Peverel.

Alastair Jeffrey, MHRA head of enforcement, said: “These men had previously been warned that their actions were against the law and yet they persisted in their actions.

“People like this involved in the illegal supply of medicines aren’t interested in your health - they are only interested in your money.

“Please think carefully before purchasing medical products from internet sites as you have no idea where they have come from or what they might contain.

“If you do chose to buy medicines online you should only buy from a site that is registered with MHRA and displays the new EU common logo.

“If you have any concerns about your health the best thing you can do is to see your GP and get a proper diagnosis.”

Both were given eight month prison sentences, suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Chelmsford Crown Court also ordered them to pay £1000 in costs each.