A GREENGROCER whose York shop was infested with rats has been fined more than £9,600.

Gary Anderson, 54, of Northfield Lane, Riccall, ran the grocers in Front Street, Acomb, and earlier this month was convicted in his absence by York Magistrates’ Court of 12 offences.

These included not acting to prevent a rat infestation, presenting food not fit for human consumption, displaying an incorrect food hygiene rating and failing to dispose of waste correctly.

At the hearing on November 3, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody on Thursday, November 23. Magistrates in York yesterday imposed £300 fines for each of four offences to which Anderson had pleaded guilty.

The magistrates also imposed £400 fines for each of eight offences which Anderson was found guilty of at trial, and while recognising Anderson had spent a day in custody, he was also ordered to pay a court surcharge of £170.

A Hygiene Prohibition Order was made preventing Anderson from participating in the management of any food business for an unlimited period.

The fines totalled £4,400, and magistrates told Anderson: “It is reasonable the public should not have to foot the costs of the investigation and order you pay the full prosecution costs.

“This is a very serious breach of the regulations, putting the public at risk. You were clearly given advice and chose to disregard it and continued doing so for many months.” The prosecution costs totalled £5,054.32, taking the total Anderson owes to £9,624.32.

Cllr Sam Lisle said: “This outcome shows the severity of this case and that we will take legal action to ensure proper hygiene and waste disposal standards are maintained.”

The shop has since closed.