THE owner of a restaurant has been ordered to pay more than £14,000 after magistrates heard how his food hygiene offences could have put lives at risk.

Darren Crossfield, 52, of Elvington, was fined by Beverley magistrates after admitting a string of offences under the food safety regulations at his restaurant, The Steer Inn in Wilberfoss.

Crossfield as an individual, and his company, The Steer Inn (Pocklington) Ltd, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges related to food hygiene.

York Press:

The court heard how inspectors were called in after a complaint from a diner who spotted dog excrement on the floor. Officers found mouldy food in the kitchen, which was unfit for human consumption.

A large quantity of food was being served to the public that had exceeded its sell-by date and raw meat was being prepared in direct contact with ready-to-eat salad items, posing a serious risk of cross-contamination.

They also found kitchen equipment in unhygienic condition and food handlers had a lack of understanding of food safety issues.

In his defence, Crossfield admitted he had taken over the running of the premises with no knowledge of running a kitchen or a restaurant but said he had worked in pubs and bars “with no problems before”.

He said he had been led to believe the chef had the right qualifications.

Graham McDonald, chairman of the bench, told Crossfield: “These were appalling offences, of which people could have become seriously ill or even died as a result of salmonella.”

Paul Abbott, manager for public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The owner of this business has been found to be committing very serious food safety offences, which were uncovered following a complaint by a member of the public.

“The council’s food safety team had offered considerable advice to the food business operator.

“The council will always try to work with businesses to ensure the food they sell is safe and they are compliant with the relevant legislation, however, where a business shows a clear disregard for their responsibilities, we have little option but to initiate legal proceedings.”

Crossfield told the court that The Steer Inn had ceased trading on December 31, 2014, and that he was in the process of liquidating the company, which had no assets.

The company was fined £8,500, ordered to pay costs of £1,392 and a victim surcharge of £120. For the individual charges, Crossfield was fined a total of £2,750, ordered to pay costs of £1,392 and a victim surcharge of £120.