Landlord faces jail over hygiene

A former pub landlord has been told that he faces a possible jail sentence because of the state of his kitchens.

Food safety officers were horrified when they went behind the scenes at the Martyrs Inn, Tolpuddle, Dorset, run by tenant landlord Stephen Riddiford-Smith.

Magistrates were told that the officers found that the kitchen ceiling and light were covered in cobwebs, and that a fridge was stained with dried blood and fruit juice.

Wedges of cheese, a stew and carrots had been left covered with mould on a worktop, and the cookers were covered with grease and food remains.

Officers also discovered a "slimy and offensive-smelling" joint of roast beef, and a disconnected pipe that could have allowed mice into the pub.

Council solicitor Lara Altee added that staff had not been trained, food had not been kept at the correct temperatures, and decaying flies were found on fly paper.

Riddiford-Smith, 44, who has 20 years' experience in the pub trade, admitted nine hygiene offences when he appeared at Dorchester magistrates court.

Chairman of magistrates Geoffrey Longstaff ordered a pre-sentence report and warned Riddiford-Smith that he could face jail.