The boss of discount store Poundstretcher, where a number of health and safety offences were committed is to face trial by judge and jury, it has been reported.
60-year-old Abdul Aziz Tayub, owner of the chain of Poundstretcher shops, pleaded not guilty to ten charges when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court earlier this month. He will stand trial in the autumn, after which the firm itself will be sentenced having pleaded guilty to 16 charges brought by Swindon Borough Council under a number of health and safety at work regulations.
It is alleged that the company did so with Mr Tayub’s ‘consent, connivance, or neglect’.
All of the alleged offences are said to relate to the Poundstretcher store in St Margaret’s Retail Park on Oxford Road over a number of days during October and November 2014.
Judge Peter Blair QC adjourned the case to Monday October 31 and released Mr Tayub on bail until then.
Poundstretcher Ltd pleaded guilty to 16 charges brought by Swindon Borough Council under a number of health and safety at work regulations. The company 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 Mr Tayub has concluded.
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I recently went into £stretchers twice in the last 3 months and it was very hard to get around the aisles due to staff ion packing goods, whilst customers asking for help. I did overhear staff really muffed out with everything. Basically not enough staff like it used to be. Same at tills when cashier trying to get help re pricing it problems with till. If £stretchers are cutting costs by staff, they are making a mistake as it just leaves the shop looking so untidy with boxes, packaging rtc all around the aisles. Elderley people had a bad time… Read more »
Has this case been heard yet and, if so, what was the outcome?
The case is being heard at Portsmouth Crown Court 04/10/17 and is liable to last a while. This should be a landmark in H&S Law. A custodial is possible and a large fine is inevitable should a guilty finding occur