The café owner, Muriel Morris, was told in court yesterday that she nearly poisoned almost 50 police officers with her sandwiches.
Had the officers not been in good health to begin with, some could have potentially DIED.
Many officers experienced fear for their own safety, and numerous individuals were left with lasting psychological impacts after consuming the tainted chicken and tuna sandwiches. In July 2009, the West Mids force placed an order for over 100 sandwiches from 70-year-old Morris, to supply teams managing protests between the English Defence League and anti-fascist groups.
However, 47 of those officers reported significant poisoning after consuming the contaminated snacks, which contained the staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Some of the affected individuals lost consciousness and required oxygen while being transported to hospitals. One officer recounted, “I thought my life was coming to an end.”
An investigation by Birmingham City Council revealed “filthy” conditions within Morris’ Meal Machine café located in Nechells.
Mouse droppings were discovered just feet away from the area where the police order was prepared. Forensic tests verified the presence of bacteria. Morris, who resides in Great Barr, pleaded guilty to four food hygiene violations during the hearing at the city’s magistrates’ court.
It was noted that she has since sold her business. Richard Tyrrell, her defense attorney, stated: “She apologises unreservedly. She is totally distraught.” Morris received a suspended sentence of four months, was tagged, and placed under a curfew.
By John Jackson
