THE operator of a Middlesbrough restaurant has been hit with a massive £10,000 fine after his establishment was judged to be "an imminent risk of injury to health".

When environmental health officers from Middlesbrough Council visited Peri Peri Original and Sweet Treats Dessert Lounge on Linthorpe Road in the town in February they found mouse droppings on and around food, and poor cleanliness everywhere.

Officers used emergency closure powers to close the business until the operator had demonstrated that the restaurant was pest-free and had been effectively cleaned and disinfected.

NY Grill Ltd, the company which operates the business, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (October 11) and pleaded guilty to breaching food hygiene laws.

It admitted charges of failing to keep the premises clean and in good repair and condition and failing to keep all articles, fittings and equipment with which food comes into contact clean and disinfected.

It also admitted failing to ensure that adequate procedures were in place to control pests and failing to ensure that food was protected against risk of contamination.

Magistrates fined the company £10,000 and ordered it to pay £1,700 in costs.