A HISTORIC thatched pub in Dorset was ‘infested’ with mice when an environmental health officer called after an anonymous tip-off in February last year, a court heard.

Bournemouth Crown Court was told that when a Purbeck District Council officer asked to see the kitchen at the Sailor’s Return in East Chaldon, temporary manager Kate Carr immediately admitted: “There is a mouse problem”

Prosecutor Tom Horder stressed that the pub was now under new ownership, but at the time of the offences, it was being run by a Devon-based company called Pub Solutions South West Limited.

Pub Solutions admitted six breaches of food hygiene regulations. It was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 costs. Miss Carr, 22, of West Lulworth admitted two breaches. She was fined £600 with £250 costs.