A RESTAURANT boss who is accused of a series of food hygiene offences is to face trial by judge and jury.

Swapan Roy said he would plead not guilty to a string of charges relating to the Abbeymeads Indian and Swindon Fried Chicken.

Because Roy, 47, does not have legal representation a judge at Swindon Crown Court said the charges should not be formally put to him.

But Roy has indicated that he will deny all eight counts being levelled against him by Swindon Borough Council.

They cover a series of breaches of regulations relating to cleanliness and hygiene between August 11, 2015, and March 10 of last year.

It is alleged that by the end of the seven month period he was not only the manager of the establishment but also had a quarter share in its ownership.

He faces charges relating to numerous alleged cleaning issues which were identified during council inspections.

It is said there was no disinfectant on site, methods of cleaning were insufficient and a toilet opened on to the kitchen.

He is also accused of failing, at all stages, to protect food against contamination likely to render it unfit for human consumption.

A further allegations relates to a 10 litre pot of gravy being left at ambient temperature on the range overnight prior to reheating the next day.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to a trial date to be fixed and released Roy, of Poseiden Close, on bail until then.

At an earlier hearing he said that he had spoken to lawyers who wanted thousands of pounds to represent him, which he did not have.

He said “I went to solicitors, the amount of money they wanted to do the case: I haven’t got that money. I found out I need at least £2,500 to do the case.”