Conroy’s Bakehouse owner pleads guilty to dozens of pest infestation food safety charges laid by Shire
A pest-infested Rye bakery’s owner has admitted responsibility for the filthy premises, where inspectors found rat droppings, dead insects, cobwebs and mould.
South East
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The owner of a pest-infested Rye bakery has pleaded guilty to dozens of food handling charges.
Peter Conroy, of Conroy’s Bakehouse, appeared at Dromana Magistrates’ Court today, with his lawyer saying the matter has now been resolved and they had booked a plea hearing in May.
Previous court documents obtained by the Leader show Mornington Peninsula Shire inspections of the Rye bakery revealed a smorgasbord of food safety violations.
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On repeated visits to the Dundas St premises in late 2017 and early last year, council officers found rat droppings, dead insects, cobwebs and mould.
They also found grimy, dirty and unhygienic conditions, as well as “visible matter” that had accumulated on fixtures and fittings as well as contaminated cutting boards and incorrectly stored food.
Shire officers also say the owner removed a council warning order from his front door, replacing it with a sign saying they were closed due to “faulty equipment”.
The shire then laid dozens of charges against the owner for alleged serious breaches of food for sale requirements.
Conroy first faced Dromana Magistrates’ Court in November, but that case was adjourned as he was told the matter was “very serious” and he needed legal representation.
At that hearing Shire prosecutor Gustav Cook said it would be wise for Conroy to get advice as he faced “very severe” financial penalties.
A second hearing held last month was also adjourned.
Conroy will next appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on May 30 for a two-hour plea hearing.
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