Crime Solicitors

A 99p store in Kingston upon Thames has been prosecuted for breaches of health and safety and a mouse infestation.

The 99p Store Ltd – which has since been bought by Poundland – was found guilty of 13 offences.

After first visiting the store at 27 Wheatfield Way in Kingston in 2014-2015, Enforcement Officers at Kingston upon Thames Council found a significant mouse infestation in the rear warehouse, with a strong smell of urine and evidence of gnawed pet food.

Other offences included excessive temperatures, unsafe step stools, a dirty staff kitchen, leaking pipework and no hot water throughout the premises.

The 99p Stores Ltd were very slow to act on either the Officer’s advice or the advice of its own Pest Control Company, said the council.

At a second store, again the 99p Stores Ltd failed to act on the Statutory Notices issued by officers, or the advice of their own pest control contractors. On a further visit on 1 December 2015, an Emergency Closure was immediately imposed on the store.

On Friday 22 January 2016, the 99p Stores Limited were found guilty of 13 offences, committed at both the Kingston upon Thames store and at one other store.

The offences related to breaches of the Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Regulations, and a total fine of £416,114 was imposed, including costs.

In passing sentence, the judge took into account the recent decision in the London Borough of Croydon case against the company.

He also took into account the early guilty pleas by the company, the fact that the council was now happy with conditions at the stores – and was mindful of the recent takeover by Poundland.

The new owner, Poundland, was unaware of the issues surrounding 99p Stores Ltd – however, Poundland will be liable for paying the fines.

After the hearing, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Health at Kingston Council, Councillor Cathy Roberts, said:

“Our Regulatory Enforcement Team are here to protect residents and staff who work in the borough – and to ensure all businesses in the borough comply with food and safety legal requirements to trade safely.

“This is an essential part of Kingston’s growth agenda.

“When one business ignores basic standards and puts residents, visitors and their staff at risk, it is our duty to make sure they are brought to account.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise on public protection offences at any stage of a charge, including advising on breaches of health and safety or hygiene, lapses in food preparation standards, mislabelling or weights and measures offences and selling counterfeit goods.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews with prosecuting or investigating authorities such as the Environment Agency, police or local council officers.

For expert legal advice on public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.