Kebab shop boss sentenced after hygiene breaches

An infestation of mice and cockroaches at the restaurant was first discovered by environmental health officials in June 2007, and Mr Ullah subsequently closed the business due to the imminent contamination risk posed by the filthy conditions.

The restaurant was re-opened but further infestation was found after another inspection in February 2008, and an Emergency Prohibition Notice was issued by the council, banning the proprietors from selling food.

The order was lifted later that month but owing to the persistent and serious nature of the breaches, Mr Ullah was interviewed and it was decided that he should be prosecuted.

He denied the charge at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in April 2009 and the judge, upon seeing the evidence, deemed that the extent of the breaches warranted a custodial sentence and committed Mr Ullah to the Crown Court.

He then admitted to the offence in September 2009 and, despite attempts to withdraw his plea, he was sentenced on Monday (1).

For each of his breaches, he was given a three month prison sentence, which he is to serve concurrently, suspended for two years, and he was ordered to pay costs of £1000. He is also prohibited from running a food business for six months.

Following the verdict, Kathy Sparks, Deputy Director of Environment and Consumer Protection, Hillingdon Council, said: "Mr Ullah committed a succession of food hygiene offences to put profit ahead of the safety of his customers and this case reflects the seriousness of the crime and the potential danger to visitors.

"This case is the culmination of a pro-active investigation by Hillingdon Council, aimed at ensuring the safety of the residents and visitors that use his premises.

"People have the right to expect safe and sanitary conditions when they use businesses like these in our borough and we take our role in this extremely seriously.

"We will continue to do everything we can to protect Hillingdon residents and visitors to our borough but we do need people out in the community to flag up issues if they suspect them."

If you suspect that a food retailer is falling below proper hygiene standards, call 01895 250190.