THE boss of a discount store where a number of health and safety offences were committed is to face trial by judge and jury.

Abdul Aziz Tayub, owner of the chain of Poundstretcher shops, pleaded not guilty to ten charges when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

It is alleged that the company, which admitted breaching a series of regulations, did so with his ‘consent, connivance, or neglect’.

But the 60-year-old, who gave the court a business address in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, denied any wrongdoing and will stand trial in the autumn.

All of the alleged offences are said to relate to the Poundstretcher store in St Margaret’s Retail Park on Oxford Road.

The breaches are all said to have taken place over a number of days during October and November 2014.

Judge Peter Blair QC adjourned the case to Monday October 31 and released Tayub on bail until then.

Poundstretcher Ltd, also based in Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to 16 charges brought by Swindon Borough Council under a number of health and safety at work regulations.

The company, which has more than 400 stores nationwide as well as others in the Gulf states, admitted failing ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff at the premises.

It also pleaded guilty to offences under Work at Heights regulations, Personal Protective Equipment at Work regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases or Dangerous Occurrences.

The judge said he would adjourn passing sentence on the firm until after the trial of Tayub has concluded.