A BUSINESSMAN has been accused of illegally dumping sheep's heads, intestines and stomachs.

The charges against Jalal Sulman also involve other items of animal waste, including bones, fat and cows' hooves, magistrates heard.

The 43-year-old, who runs the Fatema Supermarket and Butchers, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, faces 11 charges of depositing controlled waste without a waste management licence.

Mr Sulman, of Palin Close, Middlesbrough, faces a number of other charges in relation to food safety and environmental protection laws under a prosecution brought by Middlesbrough Borough Council.

He is charged with three counts of using premises for the purposes of a butcher's shop otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and two of accepting raw materials that might be expected to be contaminated.

Mr Sulman is also accused of failing to comply with an improvement licence, regarding the installation of wash basins, failing to supply transfer notes relating to a transfer of waste, and providing insufficient lighting.

His solicitor, Julian Gaskin, said he intended to admit the charges of using premises of a butcher's shop otherwise than in accordance with a licence, but would plead not guilty to the remaining charges.

Middlesbrough magistrates said they were prepared to accept jurisdiction on the case, with a trial date set for February 21