The owner of a Pitsea kebab shop was fined £6,000 for serving up more than its customers were expecting.

Filth, grease, mould and unwashed hands - even after staff used the toilet - were just some of the extras being dished out at Essex Kebab and Pizza House, in Station Lane.

The business's owner Huseyin Yildiz, 47, of Cashmere Way, Vange, yesterday pleaded guilty to six breaches of health and safety at Basildon Magistrates' Court.

Rebecca Atkinson, prosecuting solicitor representing Basildon Council, said in one instance kebab meat was being kept uncovered on a piece of burnt cardboard on the bottom of the store's dirty freezer.

She said: "The freezer was encrusted with old food and dirt."

Ms Atkinson said staff would handle raw meat, cooked food and use the toilet, but were unable to wash their hands properly during their shift because there was no soap or hot water.

She added: "It is critical for food handlers to wash their hands after using the bathroom."

Ms Atkinson said the shop had been classed as "high-risk" for years and had been receiving six monthly health inspections.

But it wasn't until the council swooped on the business on May 23 last year that court action was pursued although the shop continued to operate.

Chairman of the bench Alan Waddoups said he was shocked the business had never been shut down.

In defending Yildiz, Jeremy Sirrell told the court his client was sorry and ashamed.

He said: "Mr Yildiz does not take these matters lightly.

"For 25 years he's been in the fast food business in Basildon.

"He's never been in this position before."

Mr Sirrell explained that Yildiz, who was recovering from his marriage break-up, had asked his nephew to manage the store from October 2005 because he was unable to concentrate.

It was under his nephew's direction that the store ran into trouble.

Mr Sirrell said Yildiz was now back running the business and all health matters had been fixed.

Yildiz was ordered to pay a £6,000 fine plus £2,105 in legal and investigation costs within the next 14 days.