Tipton convenience store bosses in court over health and safety charges

Sadarat Khan, manager of Pakeeza Foodstore in Park Lane East, Tipton, is accused of deliberately obstructing a Sandwell Council health and safety inspector who visited the shop in March by ripping open a package she had bagged and tagged for further inspection.

He also allegedly shouted at the inspector, not allowing her to talk and was ‘angry and belligerent’ in his attitude towards her, Wolverhampton magistrates heard.

Khan and company director Taseeb Basharat are both accused of removing signs from an electric bandsaw machine, used for cutting meat, that had been attached by the inspector banning its use.

The machine was deemed to be unsafe for use because it did not have a proper guard to protect employees.

An employee had continued to use the machine after the prohibition sign had been put up, it is claimed.

Khan, aged 46, of Park Lane East, Tipton, and Basharat, aged 21, of Far High Drive, Tipton, each face five charges against the health and safety at work regulations, while the company Pakeeza Foodstore has six charges against it.

The defendants asked for more time to seek legal advice, saying the court summons was only served on them on December 13.

Magistrates adjourned the case until January 31 to allow them to arrange representation.