A 'FILTHY' curry house which was infested with mice has been fined more than £10,000.

Health inspectors ordered the New Tabak restaurant on Rusholme's curry mile to close down after finding disgusting conditions in July 2007.

Manchester magistrates were told public protection officers went to the business following complaints of un-hygienic conditions.

They found 'filthy' storerooms and 'extremely dirty' kitchen areas, with missing or cracked wall tiles and a large build up of grease, the court heard.

A dead mouse was found as well as mouse faeces hidden under kitchen equipment and more dead mice were discovered in the 'filthy' storerooms.

Rotting mildew and vegetables were found in a fridge and ready-to-eat food was found next to raw meat including chicken. The court heard the restaurant was immediately closed down, but the manager called three days later to say it had been cleaned and was ready for business.

Health inspectors made a second visit and again found dirty equipment and mouse faeces. It was finally allowed to re-open after a third inspection found the premises clean.

However, inspectors carried out a follow-up visit in October and found missing wall tiles, grease and food debris on kitchen equipment, the court heard.

They also found a dirty fridge, a wash-basin hanging off a wall, no hot water, soap or towels. A drain was blocked with food while mouse faeces were found in a food store. An infestation of fruit flies was also discovered.

Restaurant manager, Gopal Dangol, 63, of Buxton Road, Stockport, pleaded guilty to five hygiene offences and was fined £700 plus £790 costs.

The business was also fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £800 costs.

Chairman of the bench, Rev J Ordman, viewed pictures of the inside of the restaurant taken by the inspectors and concluded they were `upsetting'.

He said he could have imposed a much higher fine but gave the restaurant credit for the guilty pleas.