The former proprietor of a Northern Ireland pizzeria has been fined for food hygiene offences.

Ciaran Kelly, who ran Kelstar Pizzeria on Shaw’s Road in west Belfast, was fined £1,400 also ordered to pay costs of £66 in relation to the 14 offences which were detected by Belfast City Council’s environmental health staff during visits between September 15, 2010 and January 6, 2011.

During the visits, the structure of the premises and some equipment was found to be dirty and in disrepair. This included holes in the walls in food preparation areas, damage to ceiling tiles, and the inside of a fridge was in a state of disrepair.

In addition, there were inadequate storage facilities for food waste resulting in an accumulation of waste to the rear of the premises.

There was no documented food safety management system in place and Mr Kelly had repeatedly failed to comply with a Hygiene Improvement Notice which had been served on him.

Belfast City Council confirmed to the court that the premises have ceased trading and a new food business operator has taken over the business.