A BUSINESSMAN escaped prison despite serious breaches of health and safety at his food stores including mice and faulty electrics.

At a hearing at Harrow Magistrates Court last Wednesday store owner, Meerwas Babar, of Village Way East, Harrow, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, given 240 hours community service and received a nationwide ban on running a food business.

Harrow Council’s Commercial Safety Team took action against Babar after finding a string of health and safety breaches at Sunshine Cash & Carry, in South Harrow, and Zam Zam, in Wealdstone.

Council officers inspected the stores and found dangerous electrics, evidence of mice, no hot water with a total of 15 offences that Mr Babar later pleaded guilty to. As a result of conditions found at Sunshine Cash & Carry, officers immediately stopped the use of electrics as there was an risk of electrocution and fire.

The court heard how Mr Babar had previously received a caution for food hygiene offences in 2008 and showed a deliberate disregard for safety rules.

While hearing mitigation of poor finances, the magistrates made it clear that "soap, water and elbow grease cost nothing" and that "the council has a duty to ensure the safety of all, which they had done.”