The owner of a popular kebab shop has been banned from running a restaurant anywhere in the country after he admitted nearly 20 food hygiene and public health offences.

Cebrial Imrek, who runs Crystal Restaurant in Holloway Road, Holloway, will have to fork out �11,137 in fines and costs after he pleaded guilty to 18 charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Imrek, who lives in Manor Road, Tottenham, was barred from running any kind of food business for two years – becoming the first person in Islington to be issued such a ban.

Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, said: “This was a serious case where advice and warnings were repeatedly ignored and we took decisive action to protect residents and visitors to Islington.

“This prosecution shows we won’t hesitate to take decisive action, though where possible we’d rather work with businesses to help improve food safety.”

The council’s environmental health officers carried out a series of surprise inspections, most recently in February.

They identified a number of issues, including the number of flies, rice puddings not being kept at low enough temperatures and the general state of cleanliness.

The court order has yet to be enforced because Mr Imrek had until yesterday (Wednesday) to lodge an appeal.

It’s not the first time Mr Imrek has been taken to court by the council.

Last spring he admitted eight food hygiene offences and was ordered to pay more than �2,500 in fines and costs.

A Crystal staff member told the Gazette that the kitchen has been refurbished since the inspections, adding: “Everything has been sorted out now and the management will be changing.

“Mr Imrek has left and someone else is taking over.

“We have deliveries every morning and prepare everything daily. We receive and prepare the same day, it’s all today’s goods.”

Businesses can talk to an environmental health officer by calling 020 7527 2000.