A MAN has admitted spitting and pouring fish sauce into plastic tubs, not meant to contain fish, at a Worcestershire food factory.
Garry Jones showed no emotion as he admitted adding metal ring pulls, gloves and plastic bags into pots of hummus and was caught on CCTV spitting into one pot.
His adding of fish into fish-free products could have been potentially life-threatening to anyone allergic to it.
As we previously reported the tubs were produced by the Harvey & Brockless Fine Food Company in Evesham and would be supplied to national restaurants including the Nando's group.
Jones, of Larch Road, Evesham, admitted a charge of contaminating/interfering with goods with intent.
The count he admits reads: "Between October 1, 2022, and November 1, 2022, with intent to cause public alarm or injury to members of the public - contaminated or interfered with goods.
"Namely 24 hummus tubs with rubber gloves, plastics bags and metal ring pulls; metal ring pulls in tubs of sesame and ginger dressing, sesame miso dressing and Vietnamese chilli and ginger dressing; and poured fish sauce into dressings which should not contain fish."
At the magistrates court hearing the prosecutor, Mark Hambling, had revealed Jones had worked in production at the company, in Millennium Way, Evesham.
Tubs began being returned to the company as contaminated leading the firm to investigate, Mr Hambling had said.
READ MORE: Man accused of contaminating tubs at food factory that supplies Nando's
READ MORE: Serial thief stole £3,000 from city supermarkets - but will only pay back £350
READ MORE: Wall collapses outside city Job Centre
The prosecutor had highlighted that restaurants, where the product was later served, would say 'does not contain fish' on their menus - potentially deadly if consumed by someone with an intolerance.
Mr Hambling said among the allegations, Jones had poked a hole into a plastic container and spat into it which he said was caught on CCTV.
During his crown court hearing Jones also admitted burglary with intent to steal.
Jones burgled the home of his co-worker in Barley Orchard Court, Evesham, on October 26.
Andrew Davidson, defending, said Jones was a man of good character and described it as a "remarkable set of events".
Mr Davidson said the defendant was "clearly a male with mental health issues", asking for an adjournment for a psychiatric report.
His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon granted the adjournment for psychiatric and pre-sentence reports.
For the latest court and crime stories why not sign up to Sam Greenway's weekly newsletter? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.
Jones will be sentenced on September 12.
Jones is prevented from entering Harvey & Brockless Fine Food Company or any location where food is mass-produced.
He must not contact the victim of the burglary or go anywhere near Barley Orchard Court.
The case was heard at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, (July 12).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel