A pub director, who failed to ensure food safety and hygiene standards were correctly met at a premises where he was formally based, has been charged in court.

Samuel Dainter aged 32 and of Ragees Road, Kingswinford, pleaded guilty to six offences under the 2013 Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations at Dudley Magistrates Court on 15 January.

The case followed an investigation into a complaint that a mouse was sited at the Cottage Inn, Kingswinford, by Dudley Council in October 2023, where Mr Dainter was acting as a director.

During the inspection the council found dirty and unhygienic conditions, mouse activity, and poor food safety training in place for staff. The premises had also not been correctly registered for the preparation and distribution of food.

The court imposed a victim surcharge of £320 with a total penalty of £1,820 for Mr Dainter.

Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member for public health, said: “This case serves a reminder that we will not hesitate to act against people who are not facing up to their responsibilities when it comes to preparing and selling food.

“I welcome the findings of the court and would like to thank the council officers who were involved in bringing this matter before the courts.”