FINED: Restaurant boss guilty of 13 offences after inspectors find dead rat

For an inspection of the Shalimar Gardens premises on Talbot Road, Blackpool had revealed a catalogue of problems including the discovery of a dead rat.

A court heard how Blackpool Council staff had found the Shalimar Gardens one of the most difficult to monitor in the town.

Mohammed Ishtiaq, of Whalley New Road Blackburn, was found guilty of 13 health and hygiene offences following a two day trial.

Ishtiaq was fined £1,440, ordered to pay £1,200 costs and £72 victims’ surcharge.

Mike Caveney, prosecuting, said an investigation into the Shalimar was prompted by complaints about a build up of rubbish at the rear of the premises.

At first staff working there were cagey about who ran the outlet but eventually Ishtiaq filled in a form stating he was the food business operator.

“The premises were in a poor state of repair and unhygienic,” said Mr Caveney.

“There were dangerous electrics and the food preparation area was very poor indeed.

“Rodent droppings were found and there was a foul odour coming from a lower room where a dead rat was found. There was a real risk to human health.

“A closure order was issued but the notice which should have been in the window was found to be removed.

“The Shalimar Gardens still displayed a four star rating when it fact it was zero.”

He said that when questioned Ishtiaq said he was “looking after” the restaurant because the owner was in prison.

Paul Huxley, defending, said: “The place was quite rightly closed down. Mr Ishtiaq says that had nothing to do with him. He was doing the owner a favour by trying to make sure everything was OK.

“But he will maintain the state of the premises was not his responsibility. There were others who were there who allow the place to fall by the wayside.”