Cockroach infestation restaurant fined £6,000

The insects were found in Rimjhim at Port Solent, sparking criminal charges prosecuted by Portsmouth City Council.

Muhammad Rahman, director of R I Southern Ltd, which runs the Indian restaurant, pleaded guilty to five charges as an individual and on behalf of the company.

Inspectors found the insects last summer, but inspected the restaurant again on Friday and found a ‘widespread infestation’ – leading the council to apply for a civil order closing the restaurant.

Today at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court justices granted the hygiene emergency prohibition order until the council is happy with any improvements.

When officers visited last week they found the insects near tandoori chicken and open popadoms.

The charges all related to contravening EU provisions concerning food safety and hygiene and were:

Inadequate process in place to control pests resulting in infestation of cockroaches.

Raw materials and ingredients not protected from contamination.

Premises not kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition.

Floor surfaces not maintained in sound condition and could not be effectively cleaned.

Pest control and maintenance procedures not effectively implemented.

Rahman was fined £260 as an individual, with £260 prosecution costs and a £27 victim surcharge.

The company must pay the fine, £1,200 costs and a £600 victim surcharge.

Howard Wilkinson, mitigating, said the firm and Mr Rahman apologised for ‘falling short’, but said they did have pest control in place.

He said: ‘This isn’t a case where they just let things slide.’