A MAN has appeared before magistrates accused of a breach of health and safety regulations following the death of a guest house resident from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ray Iley, 57, was found dead at the Albert Guest House in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, alongside 20 of his pet budgies, on January 4, 2011.

Guest house owner Kaiser Choudry, 45, faces three charges at Peterlee Magistrates Court, including failing to ensure the boiler at Albert Guest House was maintained in a safe condition.

He is also accused of failing to ensure the boiler and flue were maintained in a safe condition, so as to prevent the risk of injury and failing to ensure the boiler and flue were checked for safety for more than 12 months since the last inspection in March 2008.

Mr Choudry of Atkinson Grove, Shotton Colliery, did not enter pleas to the charges, dated between March 6, 2009 and March 11, 2011.

The case was adjourned to April 8 when he is expected to enter pleas.

Last June, Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle, ruled that Mr Iley had died from breathing toxic fumes from a faulty central heating boiler in the cellar.