THE owner of a cafe called Fresh has been fined more than £1,000 after a mouse infestation was discovered.

Nazim Shabir pleaded guilty to failing to keep his premises and food equipment clean, in Victoria Road, Middlesbrough.

He also pleaded guilty to not controlling pests under the Food Hygiene Regulations Act and was fined £600, ordered to pay £443 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Teesside Magistrates' Court this week.

Senior environmental health officer Melissa Clapham said the severity of the infestation revealed on October 26 last year had been a serious risk.

She added: "The management of the business failed to take sufficient action to protect foods from risk of contamination and ensure the cafe was hygienic.

"Despite their knowledge of the infestation the owner and management continued to prepare and serve food to customers.

"The cafe closed for several days to enable pest treatment to be carried out along with a full clean and disinfection of the premises.

"Once we were satisfied that the premises were clean and free from pests we gave the owner permission to reopen."