Blood-spattered walls and a dodgy gas flue have sparked heavy fines for a Mitcham butcher.

The problems were spotted by environmental health inspectors visiting Only Fresh Wholesale Butchers in Streatham Road in 2008, and last month business owner Thamothirampillai Christopher pleaded guilty to four health and safety offences.

A council spokesman said: “The officers noted poor storage of refuse, a lack of hot water to the wash basin, damaged and dirty cutting boards for the meat and fish, blood-splattered walls to the chill rooms and a dangerous gas flue with a vent into a workroom.

“Despite many warnings from the council, Mr Christopher failed to improve the premises to a satisfactory standard.”

Christopher, who was fined £4,800 and ordered to pay £1,475 costs at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on January 8, has now closed down the business.