Brighton restaurant admits food hygiene breaches in court after mouse infestation

A restaurant in Brighton has pleaded guilty to four offences under food hygiene laws after twice being found infested with mice.

Food safety inspectors found an imminent risk to health from an active mouse infestation at the Sukhothai Palace, in Middle Street, Brighton.

The owner voluntarily closed the premises in June and cleaned them before reopening to diners.

But when food safety officials returned to the Thai restaurant for a routine inspection in October they found signs of mice throughout the building.

Brighton and Hove City Council prosecuted the restaurant at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (2 January).

The case was brought against the owner, Sukhothai Palace Limited, which has its registered office in Old Shoreham Road, Portslade.

The company was set up in 2003 by the directors Jitjan and Donald James Connacher.

The court adjourned the case until Thursday 6 February when it will pass sentence for the four food hygiene offences.