Ghanaian businessman jailed after council uncovers illegal fish processing in Watford flat
Stephen Akuoko, of Lincoln Green Court in Haines Way, admitted two food safety offences after prosecutors said he had been preparing cooked and smoked fish from his home and supplying them for sale to the public.
A Watford man has been convicted after a two-year investigation uncovered the illegal processing of fish products inside a residential flat.
Stephen Akuoko, of Lincoln Green Court in Haines Way, admitted two food safety offences after prosecutors said he had been preparing cooked and smoked fish from his home and supplying them for sale to the public.
The case was first heard at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on 11 February, where he pleaded guilty. He was later sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on 2 April.
Watford Borough Council said the inquiry began after fish products linked to Akuoko were discovered being sold in Watford town centre. Investigators said he had made significant efforts to hide the location where the food was being produced, but a tip-off from the Fire Service eventually led officers to the flat.
Environmental Health officers then issued a formal notice ordering him to stop production at once. The council said he ignored that direction and continued to supply fish for public sale and consumption.
Prosecutors argued that the case was serious not only because of the repeated breaches, but also because of his refusal to cooperate and the health risks created by the operation.
The court imposed two consecutive 12-month prison sentences, suspended for two years. Akuoko was also banned from working in the food industry for five years under a prohibition order.
Instead of imposing a fine, the judge ordered him to pay £2,500 in costs to reflect the council’s investigative work, with payment to be made within three years. The judge described the evidence against him as overwhelming and praised the persistence of the investigation team.
Fish and seafood production is subject to strict regulation because of the health risks involved if products are not properly handled, stored or prepared. Poor food hygiene in such operations can lead to illnesses including salmonella, listeria and norovirus.
Reacting to the outcome, Justine Hoy, Associate Director for Housing and Wellbeing at Watford Borough Council, said food safety laws exist to protect the public and that the authority would continue to act where individuals or businesses put health at risk.
She said the prosecution reflected the council’s determination to uphold food safety standards across the borough.
The council said it remains engaged with food businesses in the area to support compliance and protect both residents and visitors.
