Mark Rothwell
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17/03/2008 20:05
Pierpoints "NEEDS" your "HELP" & "SUPPORT"
I feel that due to the press release in last week’s papers, we feel that we would like to let everyone know what exactly happened.
I received a phone call from a Local Farmer, asking me if I could cut some pigs into joints etc.
As I saw it I was not doing any harm just a favour and supporting local traders, (which I thought we where trying to promote as a local business). It was apparently reported to be the council anonymously, that had seen some pigs going into the back of a butchers shop which apparently looked bloody? The council came to see me; I assisted them with all their questions with honest answers, and also explained to them emphatically, that they were definitely not for retail in the shop, and gave them the Farmers details.
I was told that they had to put in a separate fridge, which myself and my employee dealt with under their supervision, the Council attend the shop the next day to check that they had not been moved or touched, which they had not and they were happy with this. They attended again on the Friday to take the pigs, and I was informed that there was a Court Hearing on the following Monday, I was told by the Babergh Representative that although I did not have to go, it would probably be better if I did, and Babergh would inform the Court of how co-operative I had been.
I attended Sudbury Magistrates Court, whereupon My Wife and I were, TOTALLY EXONERATED. At no time the Council mention any further action. I asked the Clerk to the Justices if possible could I have this not mentioned in the papers, his reply was I was EXONERATED from the Magistrates that there was nothing to go in the press.
Upon my return the Shop I received a call from EADT as to what I felt about Babergh’s Press Release to them, I was completely shocked, to the point I had to pass the phone to my Wife to speak to them, who was also very shocked. She asked the person who was to write the Press Release, to hold off until she had spoken to Babergh, whereupon we could not at first get anyone to speak to us, eventually a person from their Legal Department spoke to her, my Wife asked why we were not informed at any point that the Court Hearing was just for the disposal of the Meat, she was informed that it was in the paperwork given to us, which she had read, but when I was in Court they made it seem that they wanted the Magistrates to charge me with something, what I don’t know and neither did the Magistrates. We have been unfairly treated in all of this, and it has caused my Wife and me a lot of stress to say the least.
But I am pleased to say that my regular customers have stood by me and I shall continue the Pierpoints ethos of providing customers high quality meat, from local suppliers. I care very much about the way my suppliers produce their animals and always check hygiene and welfare standards, I look forward to providing the highest quality butchery service to the community for many decades to come as per my predecessors.
I look forward to all your support.
Mark Rothwell
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