A COMPANY director who is accused of hampering an investigation into alleged health and safety breaches is to face trial by judge and jury.

Nilesh Chavda pleaded not guilty to a charge perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

Chavda, 36, along with his company N & B Foods Ltd, also each denied a string of health and safety allegations.

Chavda, of Rosedale House, Purton Road, pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice in relation to CCTV footage which is said to have been deleted.

He and the company also each denied five charges under health and safety legislation.

Recorder Susan Jacklin QC adjourned the case to a trial date to be fixed and released Chavda on bail.

The allegations relate to health and safety inspections at a warehouse at Oak House on the Rivermead Industrial Estate between November 25, 2014, and January 21, 2015.

Chavda is the son of the owner of N & B Foods Ltd, a food and drink wholesaler, which also has a warehouse at its base in Reading.