A Catford man has been fined more than £15,000 after a mouse infestation was found in his takeaway.

Kunaratnam Kunanathan, 36, fron Catford, was fined £14,500 and had to pay over £2,000 in legal costs after his takeaway, Pizza Plus Fried Chicken in Gillingham, was found to be overrun with mice.

Medway Council environmental health inspectors also found mouldy tomato puree being used for pizza toppings, filthy food preparation areas and food packaging containing mice droppings.

After the inspection in January, council officers closed the takeaway down after fearing there was an immediate risk to public health.

Kunanathan pleaded guilty to seven offences under food safety and hygiene regulations and two health and safety charges.

The takeaway was allowed to reopen after further checks were carried out to ensure the infestation was under control but the takeaway was then closed down for good by the owner.